Kubalik, Blackhawks Drop Red Wings in OT
While Chicago was getting slammed with yet another winter blast, the Blackhawks were in Detroit for an evening date with the Red Wings.
Detroit came in playing Dead Wings Era caliber hockey. The Hawks came in making the playoff conversation a reality. Would the trends hold?
Malcolm Subban got the start in net for Chicago. He probably would have loved to get a little offense early from his teammates, but the first period was largely controlled by the Wings.
While the Blackhawks weren’t getting the puck to the net very often, they got on the board first. Mattias Janmark scored his sixth of the season at 4:19 with the helpers going to Carl Soderberg and Nikita Zadorov. The set-up from Soderberg was a special one.
Detroit continued to dominate the puck but the Blackhawks broke through with the second goal of the game as well. Just as the primary assist was a beauty on the first goal, Brandon Hagel set up Dominik Kubalik with a gorgeous pass for the second.
Subban was keeping the Hawks in front but couldn’t keep the doughnut on the scoreboard. An awkward play that started on the stick of Vladislav Namestnikov crossed the crease, went through Subban and back out the other side back to Namestnikov to get Detroit on the board inside the final 15 seconds of the opening period.
Detroit out-shot the Hawks 13-6 in the first period. Subban made a few nice saves. While the Blackhawks had the lead, they played far from an ideal 20 minutes and the late period goal was unfortunate.
Hagel was noticeable all over the ice on almost every one of his shifts. He’s really played terrific since getting into the lineup when Ryan Carpenter was placed in COVID protocol and it will be hard to take him out of the lineup at this point.
The second period saw the Blackhawks pick up the pace offensively and Hagel continue to look great. But neither team scored. The Hawks out-shot Detroit 11-6 in the period. Subban was good; Thomas Greiss made some marvelous saves for the Red Wings.
Early in the third period the Blackhawks successfully killed a pathetic Detroit power play but the Red Wings kept the pressure on. You can only spend so much time in your defensive zone before something bad happens and a Christian Djoos goal at 5:49 into the third tied the game.
The rest of the third came and went with the Blackhawks putting three (3) total shots on net in 20 minutes. The Djoos goal held up as the tying marker and the Blackhawks headed to overtime again.
Subban stopped 26 of 28 in regulation. Greiss faced only 20 shots through 60 minutes.
Ian Mitchell led the Hawks with two blocked shots in regulation over 19:01 on the ice. Kane accounted for four of the Hawks’ 20 shots on net in 21:17 in regulation.
With 90 seconds left in overtime the Red Wings got a 3-on-1 as Mitchell just got on the ice for the first time in OT. Mitchell played it fairly well and a bad pass broke up what could have been disaster.
In side the final 20 seconds of OT, Pius Suter and Dominik Kubalik got a 2-on-1 rush. Suter patiently got it to Kubalik who settled the puck down and sniped the game-winner through Greiss with 16.4 left on the clock.
The Blackhawks played down – way down – their competition in this game and got away with it. Detroit is a really, really bad hockey team and they out-shot the Blackhawks badly in two of three periods. The Hawks took them for granted and gave up a point in the standings.
Hagel had one assist, two shots on net, one hit and one takeaway in 13:13.
The Blackhawks got only three shots on net from their six defensemen (one from Nicolas Beaudin, two from Calvin de Haan).
Reese Johnson led the Hawks with five hits in only seven shits (7:21 on the ice).
Beaudin ,,,,Hagel,,,, those 2 are playing really good in the last 4-5 games.
No way they let Hagel leave this team for whatever reason . Sabres made a big mistake not signing him …
This guy will get 15-20 goals and 20 assist every year in 1-2 years from now plus the energy and the second effort to get the job done …a true Warrior
They got off totally free despite a bad game. Subban held his ground, and they squeaked by in OT. So, they got the ROW, and they did give a point to Detroit, but who cares because Detroit won’t be there at the end.
Need to play better next time.
Clone Hagel! I’d love to have several more just like him.
Suter to Kubalik for the winner. I don’t care what you think of SB but no team has come close to the success the Hawks have had with the European free agents. That is a fact not an opinion.
Pretty flat effort overall but I thought this was Carlsson’s best game. Saw a report that Boquist was moved to the taxi squad and Kalynuk was moved to the active roster. Interesting.
Look carefully at the play made on the OT goal …by Beaudin …slowly take the puck then 2 wings players are going on him then he make a perfect pass to Suter for a 2 on 1 .this is a play he was doing often in Junior ..so calm and he knows where everybody are … no pressure at all on him looking and waiting for the wings players to make their move on him then in a second there the 2 on 1 .and the goal …OMB the kid is 21 years young. Of course he will make many mistakes at his age but WOW …ceiling is high .
Suter looks really good in the 3 on 3 ot situations, good to see Kubalik get a couple of goals not on pp, Hagel nice setup on one ane another strong game. Strome struggled again, noticed though that Soderberg was having it rough on fos early and Strome taking and winning a few on pp in 2nd. Subban solid but not as confident as Lankinen in there. Young defense playing well again. See Boqvist to taxi squad and Kalynuk to main roster, see what if anything that means.
People said let’s see how we do agasint top 10 teams after winning agasint mid tier and bottom teams. We’ve 4-1-1 those teams CAR DAL CLB. Amazing kind of since the first few games were 8-2-4 quite amazing without 20 50 77 19. When we have 77 19 back and a yr from now young wave more established and the reichel player were going to be deep again.
77 19 44 are three top 6 players right there. That makes the top 9 very good.
People said Kubalik should score 5 on 5 and he listened.
MS, like Barratt a lot he’s just like Hagel.
2010, I really didn’t like the Danault trade though the Hartman trade for Beau and Kurachev might make up for it.
Hagel- is way faster than Barratt.
Beaudin- great “possum” pass to Suter
Hawks not at their best tonight. Their passing wasn’t crisp tape to tape – lots of 10 foot passes that should have been 20 feet and 20 foot passes that should have been 10 feet. The result was too much chasing the puck around in the d-zone. Good thing it was against Detroit or it could have been much uglier.
Subban made some key saves but he makes me nervous. It’s tough for him not playing regularly, I get that, but he seems a little leaky and gives up too many juicy rebounds for my comfort level. I’m on the edge of my seat more than when Lanks is in net.
Happy to see Kubalik get a couple ES goals – hopefully that takes the monkey off his back a bit and he can relax an snipe away.
Hagel and Kurashev aren’t getting on the scoresheet much but both of those guys play winning hockey. Hopefully Hagel gets that 1st one pretty soon.
Not a great team effort but overall the kids played well and they won the game – what’s not to like?
Hard to get up for Detroit but they still should have picked up their play and closed it out in regulation.Not enough of sustained offensive pressure and cycling of the puck so the next line on the ice can have some quality time in the offensive zone.Powderpuff pond hockey game with no hitting except for Johnson and Hagel,looking at you Zadorov.Strome was—–not going to waste an evaluation on him see pez dispenser.As long as we are going young,let Barratt take those minutes.1st line was effectively checked by the Wings tonight.Kubalik and Janmark were much better and active tonight.
Bluto – “possum pass” – I like that. And it was and it was very nice.
This was one of the worst Hawks performances of the season..Zadorov and Strome especially were not good tonight. Even Collition, while complimenting Hagel, pointed out that he does what not every player on the roster is interested in doing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Strome healthy scratched soon..as Q would put it ”we need to see more”…overall, the team looked disinterested..not sure if it was because this Detroit team isn’t the greatest challenge in the world(they are as advertised..not very good at all) or if they were due for an energy letdown at some point, but regardless, they should consider the two points a gift..even in overtime, they gave up a 2 on 1 and a 3 on 1. Fortunately, I don’t think Detroit even got a shot off on one of the rushes lol..speaking of which, imagine being Detroit and passing on Quinn Hughes to take Zadina..every time the puck touches his stick, it explodes like a grenade..he may end up being a fine player, but they can’t like the early returns in Detroit for such a high draft pick..
Now the good. Subban looked pretty good given that he’s only getting a start a week..he definitely lost track of the puck a few times but he made saves when he needed to and that’s really all you can ask of your backup is to not let the game get out of reach.
DeHaan has also looked very good over the last few games. Very active on both sides of the ice. Providing a nice veteran presence on the blueline.
I’m not a believer in Hagel’s offense ever allowing him to play in the top six. I just don’t see a strong scoring toolkit..but this year? With all the injuries.. sure, why not? He’s done everything else you can ask of an nhl player and I don’t have any problem with rewarding him..and I do think Stan would be foolish to either A. Trade him at the deadline or B. Not protect him in the expansion draft. He and Kampf can be 2/3 of a really frustrating 4th line to play against, which every team needs come playoff time. Add a Barratt or Entwistle to that line next year and that would be a very solid fourth line.
Not sure how Suter’s shot in overtime didn’t go in(did it go across the bottom of the top portion of the net before flying out?) but the two on one with Kubalik was played perfectly..even drove the net as soon as he passed it in case Kubalik’s shot came off a shin pad. I’m telling you, pay him now..give him a four year deal this offseason before you’re forced to overpay him. And it was nice to see Kubalik head to the net on his first goal and finish the ot with a quick shot through the five hole. I remain high on him as this young team continues to progress.
Outplayed by Detroit but take the two points and don’t apologize for it.
The lack of shots, especially in the last two third periods, is concerning. I wonder if the high pace of play this year is starting to catch up to them. That said, a win is a win.
Tab, wait. Detroit a really really bad team? But they have Fabbri
Saw last 2 periods and they were not good however some positives
Kubalik for one and I don’t think he’s been bad lately but he needs players to get him the puck and Strome isn’t doing that
His goals tonight came from Hagel and Suter
Beaudin’s secondary assist on OT winner was fantastic as was Soderberg’s assist
Soderberg if he keeps up this level of play will definitely garner TDL interest
I didn’t mind Zadorov so much but Keith was driving me mad with his turnovers
They have had three bad third periods in a row – something they have to learn how to be better at – they need to keep their pace up in the third or in tonight’s game pick up their pace for the third
Happy for Subban – looks like we have our back up to Lank
I think DET’s speed on the forecheck was a big challenge, closing off options and forcing bad passes; DeHaan’s puck handling was worth noting – several times he reversed direction, deked, etc. to keep the puck, frustrate the forecheck, and keep possession for a clean breakout – a good veteran example on D
Fortunately the Wings’ passing and shooting were not on par with their team speed and Subban did his job
This game was coming. It was something I was waiting for a team to see. Having Suter, Kane, and Debrincat on one line is A TON of the team’s firepower. They’re all similar in what they do. Kane 4 SOG, Suter 3 SOG, Debricat 0 SOG. The line cannot sustain scoring from all 3. It showed today.
I disagree with the “Strome was bad ” assessment. He was 63% on FO’s and 2 SOG. Stellar? Not by a long shot. But, he was better than the last game. Again, put Debricat with him and try Hagel on the LW. The kid has such a high engine, along with Debricat’s confidence. It may snap Strome into that next level on a more consistent basis. I’ve said in past posts that Kane, with Kurashev, and Janmark. A 3rd line of Suter, Soderburg, and Kubalik would be an interesting, if not attention getting line. Although Soderburg was a dismal 33% at the FO. The 4th line of Johnson, Kampf, and either Highmore. Wallmark, or Carpenter(if he is in game shape)would be a good 4th line.
The team has an excellent playing philosophy. The downside is that it is a fatiguing style of play. They just played Sunday against a very similar team. This may be more of a physical fatigue factor than just a careless start. They know they’re not that good to take any team for granted.
Defensively, how the hell does Zadorov get the 2nd most TOI by a defenseman? That much TOI and he had ZERO HITS!!! ZERO!!! That’s his main duty out there is to #1 play defense and #2 HIT PEOPLE!!! Perhaps he needs to have a seat and give Kalynuk, Carlsson, or Bowey some more TOI.
Beaudin and Mitchell are getting exponentially better the more TOI they get. De Haan, while never flashy is quiet and steady. No issues with anyone else on D.
Subban was good enough. I think it’s safe to say he is the confirmed backup. Delia is the emergency guy. Which sucks because he is really needed in Rockford. The goaltending is in dire need of his services. Subban seems to have real difficulty with those rising shots. But, again, he was good enough to win tonight against a poor team. Wednesday is the rematch and I’m betting Lankinen is between the pipes. Hopefully, a regulation time victory. We shall see!!! NEXT!!!
I’m a huge supporter of Strome, but he only took 8 faceoffs..yes, he won 5 but that’s an incredibly small sample..and he had the third least amount of shifts tonight..only behind Johnson and Wallmark..he’s only getting the ice time he’s getting right now by default since center is so depleted this year..I will say that he does look better than last year but that’s a low bar and the improvements have been glacier level..he still has a lot of work to do..if he wants to be an everyday, 2nd line center, he needs to be at 50 percent minimum from the dot, he needs to be able to retrieve pucks for his forwards, and he needs to be consistently in the blue paint when we’re in the offensive zone….he’s not Mark Scheifele who can be at 45 percent from the dot for his career, and it’s alright because he gives his team 70-80 points a year..that’s why I think 3c is Strome’s ceiling..which is fine..if he continues to develop, he can be quite the asset on a third line..but the intangibles for the position that Toews has shown for his entire career, that Dach showed in the playoffs last year, and that Suter and Kurashev have already shown in their first year in the NHL, Strome still hasn’t shown. At least not yet. His positioning, vision, and playmaking shows up on the pp since he has room to breath and more ice to work with..but he needs to figure out how to translate those skills 5v5 when the ice is tight.
Last 2 games are perfect example if goaltending keeps game close and gives the team a chance they can win their share of games. Thursdays game offense was there but likely Lankninens roughest start and they lose.
For those of you that like to play GM or Head Coach, what would your lineup for the start of the 2021-2022 season look like (assuming 77, 19, 7, 92 and 5 are back and healthy) if you had to choose today?
I predict for the 2021-2022 season that 19,65,7,17,16,92,22,36,and 44 are all gone through retirement,expansion draft,trades,and attrition.Next year will be another development year with the Barratt wave of youth grabbing a couple of spots.Just and observation but with 19 and 7 out of the locker room so far this year,COLLITON speaks and coaches like a totally different coach.
Slayer – agree on the idea that Strome could be an asset as 3C once 19 and 17 are back but right now he’s in the top 6 which is a great opportunity for him that he’s not really taking advantage of – he doesn’t seem to have chemistry with Kubalik – maybe he should get a run with 12 and 88 although the problem with that is…
…his puck retrieval skills are too low – Suter’s better at that even though he’s 1/2 foot shorter
Outplayed by a bad team but still get the two points. They will learn from games like this.
Edman
They played Saturday against B J ( not the day before ) plus the fatigue should not be the problem for those kids. Because playing a high energy game every2 nights at 22-25 years old and playing 15-18 minutes in a game is not exausting for kids that are in top shape , I think the coaches are trying a lot of different approach to see what can works in different circonstances…it’s a really young team with a lot of ups and down at those age but at the end they came out with 2 pts . They should Be ready for tomorrow night and Lank should be in goals I think (((. maybe they are mentally Tired from learning 3000 different ways to play the puck in 2 days ))) That could be a problem and mix information To try to please the coaches …sometime you have to keep it simple and play the game and Have fun .
Just like everyone else on the board mentioned, the guys who exceeded or met expectations were Kubalik, Hagel, Janmark, Strome, Soderberg, deHaan, Subban, Beaudin, and Carlsson. Kane and DeBrincat were solid, yet unspectacular, Walmark was getting his legs and Johnson is now just a disruptive. I saw Johnson do more than just lay guys out with Rockford. I just like the composition of this team. I guess we can win without Toews and Saad, but we would be shite without Kane.
Tim W
I agree that coaching without 19 and 7 must be a lot easier to sell their game to the kids
Toews with is analyzing attitude is probably not always on the same pace.he was like that with Q also ..
Kane is surprisingly adjusting very well and look at him play with is big smile and really happy to win with the new wave of kids.
Wish to see Toews do the same and play like he is ask and have fun like Kane ….like the good old days with the new kids.
Tim W. – totally agree.
Tim W-Ditto
on most of those guys/if not all will be gone in near future
tim w.
fine with your vision of the roster for next year and all of them being gone save #19. if healthy and totally buying into jc then i am fine with having him back.
slayer
i just don’t get your love for strome. he will be 24 next month. hockey is a young man’s game. if a player doesn’t have the will to be a puck retriever or play a physical game by that age when does the switch flip on? according to the hawks web site he weighs 25# more than hagel and 10# more than kurashev and highmore. you would never know that watching the four of them play. strome is a player for the seventies when teams dressed seventeen players and rotated three line. a perfect guy to take and odd shift here and there and be a power play specialist.
Good teams tend to win games they shouldn’t. Dare to say that this team is pretty good (better than I expected) and fun to watch again. Don’t read too much into Boqvist going to taxi squad, he had Covid and needs to get his legs and conditioning back. Can’t expect him to just jump back in after Covid. Subban stills needs to work on his puck tracking and rebound control but he looked good and right now with 2 goaltenders playing well we should be in most games. Interested to see our moves by the trade deadline.
Colliton deserves all the credit for having a group of young players driving this team to a surprisingly great start in this anything but normal covid season. Alot of questions yet, how will playing in what will be 32 mostly fan filled rinks affect there play compared to 8 empty ones this year. It’s going to be intimidating to some, mistakes more magnified, harder to forget about them. How are teams going to handle when not surprised about how hard this team is playing, going to get tougher every series as surprise effect gone.
A short time ago Keith was a cancer and Kane a poor choice to wear an A on his jersey because of his attitude. Now their all that and Toews and Seabrook the leaders to 3 cups and a dynasty are the problem. Colliton like the young players hasn’t won anything but a few regular season games yet, he still needs prove the test of time and expectations. He is exceeding them now and hope he continues to show that upward trend, i’m just not ready to say he is the coach for getting the team to year in year out cup contention level yet.
TimW not saying any of those are around long term for sure but moving 7 players under contract next year and 2 others who are rfas by start of next seems a bit over the top. Shaw and Seabrook definitely big questions and maybe ltir next season, moving them has alot of what ifs attached to them next season. Hope a taker is found for Dehaan before next season or sooner, be limited who is interested. Maybe one or 2 more go, wait and see. Do agree more ayees from Rfd. will make themselves known next year too.
Ian,Yes I agree moving out that many players in the next 6 months or so probably isn’t realistic.My view on COLLITON is admittedly based on a very small sample size and we will see how he processes when the young guys start getting worn down and need the right push.I have also noticed the schematic wise and as far as making adjustments that he is much approved.Still not a great line matcher yet but like the young players he is progressing.
Tim W- easy to see all of those guys moved by 2022.
Big question- if the #19 prediction comes true- who are the “Elite/Big name” guys out there – think Hossa/deal – to throw a decent $$$ offer out to?
Seems like Hawks should have some $$$ to play with -If all those guys are off the books in 2022 or 2023.
TimW, hope Colliton can be the guy, but he is going to need leaders on the team supporting him. Keith and Kane came out of the meeting with Bowman this fall along with Toews and Seabrook, where all said they were happy and all on the same page. I have no reason to believe Toews won’t take that to the ice when time comes like 2 and 88 did. Bowmans comnents on concern for Seabrooks future and Collitons reaction to Shaws concussion give serious reason to believe boths playing days are in jeopardy. If that is the case would seem more likely both ltir next season, vs trading picks or prospects to move them, which is last year for Shaw. After next year Seabrooks becomes a modified no trade, which if he isn’t able to play would be basically an insured caphit for a team like Seattle or Coyotes and easier to get done and doesn’t involve waiving clauses similar to Hossa situation, which is route the organization seems to prefer. Don’t expect any big fa signings this summer, just take care of what needs to be done inhouse, and few trades, maybe a major type but not necessarily. Playing and developing their depth still be forefront next season is what i expect.
Questions I have:
1. Boqvist and DeBrincat both were in COVID protocol at the same time. DeBrincat did not test positive and had no symptoms. Boqvist tested positive but had no symptoms other than loss of taste & smell according to reports. So, why does DeBrincat play (extremely well) immediately and Boqvist is “still getting his legs under him”? Neither was allowed to skate while in protocol.
2. Bowman says he has been transparent and isn’t withholding anything about Toews. It is a certainty that team doctors have checked Toews and spoken with his doctors. It is also a certainty that Toews has been through a lot of tests and many things have been ruled out. All of those things ARE being withheld, and for good reason. They either know what is wrong with him and refuse to say – again, totally justified – or they simply don’t know (yet). So, why not say that instead of this nuanced B.S. Bowman is feeding us?
3. Can anyone think of a player that was a 1st round pick that didn’t live up to expectations, was dealt to another team and then did live up to the expectations of a 1st round elite prospect?
4. What happened to global warming? (I’m a big fan it. Screw the polar bears, they would kill and eat me if they had a chance).
re: John Gait
1. COVID has lots of side effects. Boqvist wasn’t able to skate for what? 2 weeks? It’s going to take some time to get him up to speed. And they don’t need him so why rush him?
2. I don’t think it’s any of our business whose doctors are talking to whom about 19.
3. Good question. I’m not sure Mika Zibanejad lived up to the hype of the #6 overall pick until he was traded to NYR. That would be the first name that comes to mind for me. I would also submit Dougie Hamilton. Same draft class, too.
4. This is global warming ICYMI.
Blake Wheeler drafted 5th by Coyotes, couldn’t reach a deal signed by Bruins and didn’t impress then went to Jets and took off. Andrew Ladd 4th struggled with injuries for a couple of yeats and went to Blackhawks and big contributor to 2010 cup win.
Boqvist on taxi squad but practicing with no. 1 pp today. Maybe going to get Kalynuk into a game or 2 before Murphy returns and Boqvist where they want him.
When JC first came to the NHL, he had an interview I saw where he claimed essentially he doesn’t believe in chasing matchups on the road. He feels every line should be able to defend and every line score. Obviously when at home he will play more matchups. Q believed in trying to matchup on the road too, frequently having fire drill changes after faceoffs in center ice zones.
I’m not saying one technique is better than the other, but more balanced lines tend to be needed if you are going to look the other way at matchups on the road. At home, a different story, and perhaps why we are seeing a lot of different line combos. There’s a lot of feeling our going on.
It seems apparent that 88 has bought into being responsible at both ends, and it shows. I applaud his efforts. Dcat too. This wouldn’t be a problem for Toews, so I really don’t know why JT would have issues with JC. Yes, sometimes people just don’t click. Hopefully JT recovers and comes back to lead a bunch of high energy and strong spirited kids to the promised land.
Tab:
1. DeBrincat also didn’t skate as far as I could tell. Agree, Boqvist is not needed.
2. I went out of my way to say they are justified in not saying anything. If they don’t know, or it’s no one’s business, just say it. Spare us the “transparency” B.S.
3. Good points.
4. Attempt at humor. Lighten up Francis.
Watched only the last 2 periods. Did look like playing down to the level of the competition. Once in OT looked like they played up to par. 2 points is 2 points. Nice to see Kube get 2. On to the next game and learn from this one.
Other thoughts:
Point wise Hawks in second place in every division.
Kube. 5-9 = 14 -2
Strome. 4-4 = 8 -6
Janmark 6-4 = 10. -5
Suter. 6-4 = 10. -2
Kurashev 4-4 = 8 -3
Saad. 4-4 = 8 -5
I’m a Saad fan but not missing him
Galt, if we must play the players you mentioned
Kubalik. Toews. Dcat
Suter Dach Kane
Nylander Strome Janmark
Kurachev Kampf Hagel
Keith Boq
Murphy Beau
Seabs Mitchell
We might be in trouble with a tough team. That’s why I would like to get Lowry and play Zadorov.
@Tab. Stick tap.
JR,you’re my guy but I don’t want to live in a world where Strome and Nylander are on the same line,YIKES!I also thinks Seabrook is done.
Colliton was thrown into an impossible situation: Replacing Q, coming in with no accomplishments or the benefit of having been mentored by someone who has, and put in charge of players who accomplished much more (some being future Hall of Famers) many of whom played for highly accomplished coaches (again, some future Hall of Famers).
To make matters more challenging, he tried to introduce a novel system without any proof it would work. He did himself no favors bringing in an equally green assistant in Sheldon Brookbank (Marc Crawford was hired after Colliton’s 1st season, I believe).
So, I can only image what must have been going through the minds of some players. Even the early adapters would have challenges trying to learn a new system so well they could execute it at game speed.
I am hoping that what we are seeing is a proof of concept that is sustainable, will work in the playoffs and can lead to a Stanley Cup (that was our goal, after all, I think) in the not to distant future.
@hawks 29..I’m still a Strome believer because I’m not depending on him ever being a 75 point 1st or 2nd line center..I do think he can be effective on a 3rd line playing 10-12 min a night 5v5 and then a 4 min of pp time. I also look at his games played, and at least for the Hawks, he hasn’t even reached two full seasons of playing time yet..he played a partial season for the Hawks after he was traded two years ago, and a partial season last year due to an injury..even this year will be a shortened season..so yes, he’s about to turn 24, but I haven’t seen a large enough sample to assume there isn’t any more upside. I’m also fully aware that I’m in the minority lol which is fine.. and in my previous post, I did agree that there is work that has to be done on Strome’s part. Right now, he’s only effective on the pp..he needs to show A LOT more 5v5 if he plans on being with this team longer term.
@galt..here is how I would set the lines next year, assuming everyone is back and healthy..I’m also horrible at remembering sweater numbers, so I’ll just use their names lol..
Suter-Toews-Kubalik
Cat-Dach-Kane
Reichel-Strome-Kurashev
Hagel-Kampf-Entwistle
Carpenter
Nylander
Keith-Mitchell
Beaudin-Murphy
Kalynuk-Boqvist
Zadorov
Carlsson
I may be a year early in Reichel..if so, move Hagel to lw3 and Nylander to lw4..I also think, unfortunately, Shaw and Seabrook have played their last games for the Hawks..so they’re not in my projected lineup..and I think DeHaan is moved at some point before the start of next season. If DeHaan is still on the team, I would slot him onto the 3rd pairing with Boqvist. But either way, at some point next season, these will be the lines since even if it’s at next years tdl, I can see the Hawks moving Carpenter and DeHaan for picks..and I’m not a believer that they’ll resign Janmark so I don’t have him on the Hawks at all next year.
Sorry folks, but Strome doesn’t win enough faceoffs to be your 3C. Soderberg is an ideal 3C, however.
If this the year to develop their young talent, why not try putting Entwistle with Strome for a few games. Bowman said one thing what he liked about him when acquired was how wanted to be the guy who took a big faceoff. Took alot of draws in juniors won about 50%, maybe make a good left right faceoff combo. Give Strome a two way faster skating power forward type, who plays a heavier physical game, gets his assists from winning puck battles and not afraid to cause havoc in front of net. Plus owns a legit shot too. Maybe sombody like a Kurashev or Kubalik fit with them and provide some good offensive chemistry and look like a legit 3rd line possibility next year, if not no harm done.
2010, yea I really want Tazer to come back and play like Kaner is. He did when he had to play with Schmaltz and other that one yr so he likes youth on the line. I think with the bulk of the 20 dressed players being young wave he would get into it/no problems. What doesn’t help 19 is having 81 and 20 go when that 20 19 81 line was the top head to head line in the league. That’s hard to come from.
Ian that’s what I wa thinking like when we had 29 26 81 on the line it was big and effective. Just ask DET how that period went in 2013 when Hands and Bicks scored to put us in a good spot after being down one after 2nd.
Slayer, I put Barratt on the 4th with your lines.
24 19 8
12 77 88
44 17 23
38 64 26
Once out top two players are back we’re are going to be deep and a lot better next yr with this ,any upside players showing this good.
Silent, just your post on 19 and I just posted same thing that’s what we better see.
Ian, think 19 will like 2 88 are I mean these guys love to win they are already accomplished dynasty players so waiting for the roster to be deep again is a drag and now that we’re getting close to that shit being transitioned were looking like a boarder line top 10 next yr seeing what we’re seeing this yr with the young wave.
And we know we’ll add good ufa players when we’re really ready just like 11 82 81 27 32 26 other
Toews is my favorite player just ask Mayer what he thinks of him.
Ian, funny post about people saying 2 is a problem and 5is and that and now it 19 7 are the problem.
Not an said it best two yrs ago when the transition started we win the Cup with a good young wave period. It looks good though I want another top 5 skill draft player to go with what we have and a second 1st pick for tradeline players which would also mean our 2nd is in the 30-35 area so that could be a dandy to.
Then we’re ready.
Young wave Babaaaay1
Ian, funny post about people saying 2 is a problem and 5is and that and now it 19 7 are the problem.
Not an said it best two yrs ago when the transition started we win the Cup with a good young wave period. It looks good though I want another top 5 skill draft player to go with what we have and a second 1st pick for tradeline players which would also mean our 2nd is in the 30-35 area so that could be a dandy to.
Then we’re ready.
Young wave Babaaaay!
Two bloody Mary’s for the second time.
Ian, yea see the big ufa adds in summer of 22 and 23 more when we’re ready.
Just read a comment from Colliton where he was praising Johnson and talking about him being very good righty faceoff guy. Said with Kampf he doesn’t need to take them but when he gets comfortable he’ll be used to take them. Maybe he plays the role instead of Entwistle i posted above. I know last season Colliton talked about having lefty righty combos to take faceoffs on lines that were weaker on draws.
Cheers Mo.
Maybe by end of next year
Cat Dach Kane
Suter Toews Reichel
Johnson Strome Kubalik if it pans out
Hagel Kampf Kurashev
Nylander Kurashev keep Reichels spot warm for him.
Keith Beaudin and Zadorov on left and Murphy, Mitchell and Boqvist on right. Kalynuk and Carlsson or Bowey as depth. Lankinen of course and say Delia as backup, if Subban keeps looking solid he becomes trade bait for a team needing a backup with low caphit.
@ tab..Strome is 47 percent from the dot for his career..Soderberg is 48 percent from the dot for his career. Seems reductive to anoint one as the perfect 3c and the other as not good enough for 3c when your only deciding factor has a one percentage point difference between the two. Soderberg has never been dominant at the dot.
I also think the Hawks will benefit if they start looking at their third line as a potential scoring line..they don’t have Hossa, Sharp, Ladd, Bickell etc. any longer..all three of those cup teams could have the third line be more of a hybrid checking/scoring line because those teams had incredible forward depth..this Hawks team and the Hawks next year won’t have that sort of depth..the third line should be a scoring line in order to help add secondary scoring to the top two lines-while leaving Hagel, Kampf, and Carpenter/Entwistle to be a pure checking line. And in this new iteration of the 3rd line, there is certainly a role for Strome.
I would even be excited to see a 3rd line of Suter-Strome-Kurashev, which could actually be decent defensively while still providing offensive scoring.
@morrison, agreed regarding Barratt..the consensus seems to be that he’s a real pain to play against..could easily see him on a nightmare for the opponent 4th line of Hagel-Kampf-Barratt..
Was suppose to say this auto spell took over.
Not an said it best two yrs ago
Noonan said it best two yr ago
I donot know if Barratt is as fast as Hagel I know he’s like Bolly and Shawzer though. So I wanted to see a line like that a couple yrs ago with Ross in it/same thing but those players didn’t pan out. I believe these players will.
Hagel ? Barratt
Different then the 55 a 36 line/eags madden frazal burr though important part of roster. Kampf is like Frazal until we bring in the madden ish player?
Madden scored some goals Krugs didn’t really thought 16 67 did score just enough by playing there way to keep it real. Eags Fazal Madden scored 7 7 10 goals that’s a lot for a 4th line. Anyways it’s not about the goals from 4th line though I think it’s important 4th score at least like 5 5 7/10 from those guys so other teams get punished and we score some.
My 4th is Hagel ? Barratt
The 4th in 2010 was stout also because we roll 4 lines. We can do that again once we’re full roster in a yr or mid way yr after.
I’m going to make some optimistic assumptions and take a little different approach to constructing the lineup of the future. The optimistic assumptions are Toews, Dach and Nylander are 100% recovered, Nylander finds the confidence and consistency to be a solid top-6 winger, and Reichel is ready for the NHL sooner than we expect.
The slightly different approach is to be more concerned with pairing up wingers that work well with the strength of the center more so than designating which are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines.
Nylander-Toews-Kubalik
Cat-Strome-Kane
Reichel-Dach-Suter
Hagel-Kampf-Kurashev
Tim W. I hear you. Let’s switch Nylander and Kurachev.
Wow Morrison…you are on fire today .4 post in row then..8 post in a row then another 4 in a row
Talking about having good pick in next draft …I was looking at the Rangers…wow they are online to get another top 3 pick this year. Even with the super stud Kakko and now Dufresne and Having Panarin they still can’t figure out how to leave the botto worst team in the league.
Hope Dufresne will not get to much pressure on him on his first year , most analysts guru made him the best rookie before the season started.
Kids need time to grow but not all of them will succeed in NHL .
They should have a chance on the number 1 pick again this year .
How many top picks did the Oilers had in past 10 years and still can’t figure out how to go in a semifinal. There is more then picks..you need a good chemistry, good coaches, warriors who think about the team first .
Go young Hawks Go
Slayer,the next time Strome and defense are mentioned in the same sentence will be the 1st.He is not fond of checking of any kind.A square peg that doesn’t fit on a great team.
H2010 I believe chemistry is the biggest factor in a championship team.
IMO….Toews has Snowflakeitis, he didn’t get his way this off season, got his feelings hurt and now wants to take his ball and leave the game. He is punking out on his team, not much of a captain …just My opinion.
As for global warming….that was debunked years ago, why do you think the liberals use the term ” climate change ” now…..very ambiguous….climate changes ALL THE TIME..ya know, summer, fall, winter, spring….got it ?
@timw..that is true..except we’re not a great team..not even a good team yet..so I do think there’s a role for him currently while the Hawks move towards being a better team..but I do hear you regarding Strome’s penchant not to backcheck or forecheck..that’s why I put him on a 3rd line with Suter and Kurashev..two young forwards who backcheck, forecheck, and can each finish if Strome puts the puck on their sticks..
@ebonyraptor..Nylander would give the Hawks some nice options on the wings moving forward..Stan is very high on him so I’m guessing he’ll have every opportunity next year if healthy..Reichel is also having a nice year so far in his league..the Hawks may very well end up seeing them both in the lineup next year..
tim w
i would love to see strome play the game like he cares. he certainly has skills offensively. but until the day he finds a heart i am in lock step with you. he can’t compete against top six centers on cup challenging teams. he isn’t the pit bull two way player you want at 3c and simply isn’t a fourth line player.
just as you said it. the guy he is now is a guy who doesn’t fit on a championship team. i hope he finds his way and proves me wrong, but i am not holding my breath.
my fall back when assessing players is could the player in question have played on any of the recent cup winning hawks teams. i don’t see how strome would have had a role on any of those rosters.
Boqvist back on Nhl roster, Kalynuk and Johnson to taxi squad and Hakkarainen from Taxi Squad to Rfd.
As far as Strome, Nylander and many others, likely end of next season decisions on who earns a contract after which majority of roster needs resigned will decide their fates, until then they are all in competition earning spots on the roster. Competition is good and will make a stronger team with chemistry because of it.
Agree Ian regarding competition on the team with the young guys and that includes Strome and Nylander
Either of those two will be replaced if someone emerges who can do the job better so the onus is on them to improve and stake a claim to the roster spot in the next season or two
I think they could both reach their potential but just as likely may not and end up being traded
If Reichel is legit then the Hawks will have 10 Fws for the top 9 (19, 88, 17, 12, 8, 24, 23, 77, 92 and Reichel) – I don’t think Kurashev or Suter or Nylander or whoever else might be the 10th Fw in the top 9 would be appropriate on the 4th line when it looks like there will be good 4th line options in Hagel, Kampf, Wallmark and possibly Barratt and Entwistle so that 10th top 9 Fw is likely to be dealt
This competition probably lasts until at the end of 2021-22 season or TDL 2022 when the loser could find themselves on a new NHL team – until then we wait and see
Umm, thanks Beer League for the solid info. Next.
I’m not saying Strome is a defensive wizard-far from it. But the ‘he doesn’t care’ takes a big leap of faith with no proof. Laine looks like he doesn’t care, other big guys like Primeau the same thing was said-even Beliveau got some of that, especially early on.
Do some of those bigger guys not care-maybe. He has some things to improve and I wish he used his frame to actually hit someone but that isn’t him. Probably never will be.
Lots of talent and a good chemistry with 12. He loves hockey and hopefully will continue to improve. He’s really old-23
these are the lines I’d like to see with the current roster:
debrincat strome kane
kurashev suter kubalik
wallmark soderberg janmark
carpenter kampf hagel
Cat Strome Kane brings lots of offensive chemistry, no question. It’s the 200 ft. game that is the issue. Collitons comments early in the season on their low possession nos. when together makes me wonder if he believes they should be together regularly or not, vs being used to try to spark offense in the right situational play. It sounded like before his injury that was where Dach was going to be at first and unquestionably he plays top 6 minutes now, if not there, then with Toews.
I think you guys are selling Hagel short by assuming he is not a potential top 9 guy. He seems to have decent hands (unlike Kampf) and put up solid numbers in junior and at Rockford. Like all young guys he needs to get stronger but his skating, forecheck and puck retrieval skills alone fit a top 9 role.
My take on Strome is that he appears to define success based on his offensive output. He doesn’t show the same effort or intensity in the d-zone as he does in the o-zone or on the PP. I’m sure this has been discussed on more than one occasion but for some reason it hasn’t registered. I’m less concerned by his FO% than I am by his commitment to be a decent defensive player. His offense is just not good enough to allow him to succeed any other way. I don’t think we are in a rush to move him given the injuries to 19 and 77 but I can’t see him being the type of player that JC wants if he doesn’t make strides defensively.
Strome plays a good “half court” offensive game where his vision and passing can be effective because his weakness – mobility – is not as critical. That’s not the case in the d-zone where his lack of mobility limits his effectiveness. It looks to me that he cares and tries to do what he needs to do but he can’t do it effectively because he isn’t quick and agile enough. But – guess what? Neither are lots of NHL players who thrive in the NHL because of their offensive ability. Strome is an NHL caliber player who competes to the best of his ability. Put in the best position to use his strength and limit his weakness he would be an asset to the team.
Lots of big men in NHL history have been accused of ‘not caring’ enough – going back in my lifetime to Frank Mahovolich, Jean Belliveau, Mario Lemieux et. al. because they have long skating strides and appear not to be working as hard as smaller players who move their legs faster
Strome suffers some of that misplaced negativity but he also true that he needs to use his big body better for leverage – none of the above players were known to be big hitters at all but they could shield the puck with their body, establish their presence in front of the net with their body, ride guys off the puck with their body, win a board battle with their body, power through defenders with their body – Strome does little of any of that – he plays like a perimeter player who is 5’10”
I’d like to see his skating improve but most of all I’d like to see him use his big body to leverage the situation to his advantage – if he did that consistently his skating wouldn’t be such a detriment but because he tries to play like a Patrick Kane his skating issues are magnified
I’m a big guy myself so have always had an interest in how big guys play the game – if you’re a skilled big guy like Strome and the others listed above you don’t have to crush people but you do need to use your body effectively to your advantage especially in close quarters because chances are very good you’re not the fastest skater out there
Zadorov is actually very good at using his frame to leverage situations – Strome could take some lessons
I like your lines Gander……. looks good to me.
Good lines. I know we need to showcase Carpenter for TDL. Would try Johnson in his place.
Gander,Strome on the top line and Hagel on the 4th line?Something is just terribly wrong about that even though they play different forward positions.The Hawks shouldn’t have to cobble together a line to cover Strome,s deficiencies.
It appears as if Boqvist is still “getting his legs under him” and is not in tonight’s lineup.
2010, didn’t post other day and read about 125 posts so comments/posts are for the whole thread not really posting that much sort of.
Rather post comments to each post or a group of posts then have a post that 15 paragraphs in one post.
Sure those things are important though you have to have the horses to win not only top 10 picks it’s just usually the elite very elite and gems come from top 10 not other spots in draft even though there are some after top 10 most come from top 10
EDM NYR other are an anomaly and are destined to be Buffalo bills.
I basically think want the moar the merryer good prospects and which ever ones are better we keep and load up.
Morri is Morrison
Wrap funny and good thing about those FW list is/other then 19 88 the old man on that list of FW is 17. Good that we’re going to be that young soon.
Yea to me it’s 17 92 not staying long term though wait until that 22 season to know by.