Its a very small sample size, but does 84 kind of remind you of Hagel a bit?

Its a very small sample size, but does 84 kind of remind you of Hagel a bit?
- glennjpawlak22

I was thinking that myself

KK is 19 and making progress -
- glennjpawlak22

I’m a KK fan, not knocking him but he did not have his best game on the defensive side, he needs a good RD to play with, the sooner the better.

Yo Fatty, you scrub the fancies of this tilt? Reinforces the eye test, Hawks were the better puck hound possession team in this one but out-talented. https://www.naturalstattr...4&game=21092&view=limited

Keep in mind LA is 3rd in the league in GA and Talbot is 3rd in the league in GA and SV% since the break and a .917 SPG overall. Simply said Hawks out fancied them in CF% at a damn fine 54%, 50-50 in Fenwick and LA clubbed em in high danger chances 13-6 as a vet club will do countering mistakes. Pretty much what the eyeballs told you as you watched in what was as good a game as I've seen the Hawks play this yr..... Love the speed/puck hound/disrupt/take away time and space approach. Push push push, go go go, whatever you do do it fast.

Thought Reichel was hair on fire in the 1st, ok in the 2nd and played his skate around the ice reach game in the 3rd. An enigma for you to see all in one game.

I’m a KK fan, not knocking him but he did not have his best game on the defensive side, he needs a good RD to play with, the sooner the better.
- Angotti

LA is correct, KK needs a much better partner than Megna. Whoever pairs with Megna has to carry him and KK is nowhere near that yet. Kaiser is much farther along, and older, than KK and if you wanna ice the best squad you pair Kaiser with Megna not KK.

Zero doubt, none, nadda, zip if KK could play in RKF he'd have been there all yr. I have no problems with the kid. He's making mistakes in the Bigs cuz he can't play AHL. As long as he doesn't lose confidence or get his brains scrambled like Reichel he'll be fine.

LA is correct, KK needs a much better partner than Megna. Whoever pairs with Megna has to carry him and KK is nowhere near that yet. Kaiser is much farther along, and older, than KK and if you wanna ice the best squad you pair Kaiser with Megna not KK.

Zero doubt, none, nadda, zip if KK could play in RKF he'd have been there all yr. I have no problems with the kid. He's making mistakes in the Bigs cuz he can't play AHL. As long as he doesn't lose confidence or get his brains scrambled like Reichel he'll be fine.
- Mr Ricochet

I saw a play i think vs the Yotes, puck was sitting in front of the goalie KK backhanded it out of the crease, Megna was kind of lost in no man's land, ended up going to a Yote and they scored a goal. Loved his reaction, he was pissed. I'm not really worried about his confidence, he has shown the ability to play in his own end and getting better at it. Now we are seeing the offense coming which is a really encouraging sign. As much as Megna is a liability its making Korchinski a better defenseman.

LA is correct, KK needs a much better partner than Megna. Whoever pairs with Megna has to carry him and KK is nowhere near that yet. Kaiser is much farther along, and older, than KK and if you wanna ice the best squad you pair Kaiser with Megna not KK.

Zero doubt, none, nadda, zip if KK could play in RKF he'd have been there all yr. I have no problems with the kid. He's making mistakes in the Bigs cuz he can't play AHL. As long as he doesn't lose confidence or get his brains scrambled like Reichel he'll be fine.
- Mr Ricochet

You could tell by KK's body action after the goals against he knew he made a mistake. That is what is important, he cares about getting better, he learned his lesson, he will pass the test in due time.

Interesting what KD's thought process is on the D next year. He really can't rely on Murphy being a veteran presence without missing significant time next year can he? He needs an Ian Cole type to be a bottom pair stabilizer, and to upgrade from Tinordi and Zaitsev. Or does he just decide to flood the roster with the youngsters on D, and see who sinks or swims.

Vlasic-Jones
KK-Murohy (until injured)
Kaiser-Crevier/Phillips

del Maestro/Allen as first call ups?

Thanks, i guess that's better than concussion issues
- BetweenTheDots

Unless his head is in his groin area...

I saw a play i think vs the Yotes, puck was sitting in front of the goalie KK backhanded it out of the crease, Megna was kind of lost in no man's land, ended up going to a Yote and they scored a goal. Loved his reaction, he was pissed. I'm not really worried about his confidence, he has shown the ability to play in his own end and getting better at it. Now we are seeing the offense coming which is a really encouraging sign. As much as Megna is a liability its making Korchinski a better defenseman.
- BetweenTheDots

no it doesn't, look at goal against #5. KK was running around like a chicken with his head cut off because Megna was standing still in the zone not close to anyone in a white sweater. This is the classic trying to do too much then trust a teammate to do his job.

Same as my comment that the Hawks play much calmer in front of Mrazek than Soderblom. Not trusting Soderblom to make a save causes the whole team (not just the defenseman to try and do things to prevent a SOG instead of playing their respective position.

We saw what happened when Seabrook declined on Keith. He could no longer try and break up plays at center ice with impunity. He had to play a more conservative brand of defense which took the Norris Trophy Keith away from his game.

Listened to the 2 man booth 1 man between the benches LA feed. Opening puck drop color guy in the booth says Doughty is staring Bedard down. 5 minutes in color guy between the benches says any time Bedard gets the puck there is a King no more than 5 ft from him.

This is how the home team, with last change, 3rd in league GA approached this tilt. Bedard won't be allowed to hurt us and they had Kopitar, Denault or even PLD to execute the game plan with the advantage of last change.

What does the kid and his line do? Outshot em 5-4 and out corsied em (shots/shot attempts/ shots went wide/shots blocked) 17-9!!!!!!!! Now, the whole Hawk's squad out-corsied LA but L1 was the leader. Absoulutely fantastic work vs a lockdown club with 2 Selke type centerman with last change.

My fav sequence of the yr. Bedard and Kurashev 7 ft from each other at pace, both tightly marked as the do an improbable give and go as they enter, still tightly checked near the wall ran a little cycle between each other to buy time, still closely marked, KK reads it and gets to open ice 30 ft away at pace, Bedard feeds him, rocket blast by KK, goal.........

Bedard is a much much different player since his injury. Kid realizes he ain't gonna beat 4 guys so he's looking for other ways and finding them.... Just wish he STOPS feeding Jones when he has a shot there for himself. He'll learn that too.

Its a very small sample size, but does 84 kind of remind you of Hagel a bit?
- glennjpawlak22

I'm watching Slaggert kinda closely and the kid always seems to be into things, scrappy, on the right side of the puck showing poise and IQ and simply making plays all over the place, like Kaiser I thought.

Didn't think of Hagel but IMO an excellent comparison. Hagel has more skilled hands IMO but a really good comparison otherwise for Slaggert.

no it doesn't, look at goal against #5. KK was running around like a chicken with his head cut off because Megna was standing still in the zone not close to anyone in a white sweater. This is the classic trying to do too much then trust a teammate to do his job.

Same as my comment that the Hawks play much calmer in front of Mrazek than Soderblom. Not trusting Soderblom to make a save causes the whole team (not just the defenseman to try and do things to prevent a SOG instead of playing their respective position.

We saw what happened when Seabrook declined on Keith. He could no longer try and break up plays at center ice with impunity. He had to play a more conservative brand of defense which took the Norris Trophy Keith away from his game.
- LAHawk

I guess we differ on view points, i think in my life I've learned more from making mistakes than anything else. It'll make a great coaching point as well. Kids getting better in his own end.

You could tell by KK's body action after the goals against he knew he made a mistake. That is what is important, he cares about getting better, he learned his lesson, he will pass the test in due time.

Interesting what KD's thought process is on the D next year. He really can't rely on Murphy being a veteran presence without missing significant time next year can he? He needs an Ian Cole type to be a bottom pair stabilizer, and to upgrade from Tinordi and Zaitsev. Or does he just decide to flood the roster with the youngsters on D, and see who sinks or swims.

Vlasic-Jones
KK-Murohy (until injured)
Kaiser-Crevier/Phillips

del Maestro/Allen as first call ups?
- LAHawk

First bolded, yep. KK knew in real time he missed on a play. No to the 2nd bolded. IMO only Vlasic can handle playing with an inferior partner of the yougins. I like Vlasic, KK, Kaiser paired with a vet on each pairing.

Doubt the draft would factor in, like Levshunov at #4, but I doubt he makes the Hawks next yr if they draft him but who knows.

I guess we differ on view points, i think in my life I've learned more from making mistakes than anything else. It'll make a great coaching point as well. Kids getting better in his own end.
- BetweenTheDots

Yes you learn from mistakes, but when it seems every mistake you make ends up with a goal against, or a penalty, then you start playing scared , or do not play within the teams structure.

KK was not picked 7th to play like Luke Shenn.

Watch any of Nashville's games? Roman Josi would not be Roman Josi if he didn't have a defensive partner he could rely on.

Korchinski had a rough night and has experienced several rough nights recently. But that's to be expected, Duncan Keith wasn't an all star right away, it wasn't until he was 25 and spent 2 seasons in the AHL and 3 in the NHL before he really broke out. There are positive signs with Korchinski, I expect his game to develop and improve over time.

Something else that should improve is Korchinski's d-partner. I don't think it's realistic to expect much success playing with the likes of Megna or Tinordi.

Give #55 a few years under his belt and a decent partner then let's see how he performs.
- DarthKane

The other big thing for these guys making the jump - Bedard included (though he got a 6 week 'break') - is the mental drain from playing an 82 game NHL season.

It's unlike anything these guys have experienced. There is definitely a physical drain, getting used to flying several times a week is an adjustment even with private jets - and the mental drain of having to be at close to 100% every night to survive is pretty intense. Rockford is not comparable to those rigors.

I think the NCAA guys come in a little more prepared physically because they have that time (and its strongly encouraged - basically mandatory) to hit the gym and work on speed, agility and strength.

While that isn't to excuse mediocre play - I think you want to see more encouraging nights than discouraging nights, take account of the roster and make sure expectations are realistic.

To that point - having a decent group of veterans (actual top 6 players and Murphy has value for the next 2 years in that regard same with Jones) to both skate the harder minutes when these guys are getting fried and create an environment where they're not losing every (frank)ing game is pretty important. Anyone who says that these guys can take away a lot from losing for the next 2 years and thinks that won't impact anyone mentally has never played on a bad team.

The Faxes from Uncle Dale guys made a decent point about Richardson - With Powers implying that at least the next year is going to be a throw away again and that they will sit on their hands until Bedard is re-upped (so 2 years) - how can the coaching staff continue to inspire belief in their system \ methods or believe in their system if they aren't able to get results due to the continued lack of talent and sand bagging? Maybe there's a mutual parting of ways if they don't start to at least try to win some games if not next year than the year after.

At what point does Bedard mouth off in an interview and say he's sick of losing? At some point the fan base is going to start to get irritated - especially if the Bears take a dump again this year. For example, not investing in the O line and getting their new QB knocked out for half the season.

They got their guy with Bedard. The focus should be building around him not continuing to throw more darts.

Fatty, I think Richardson might start to have actual expectations next season. The Hawks will still be an awful team, but will have more talent than this year. Richardson will be expected to beat bottom feeding teams like San Jose, and the continued availability of great coaches will start to become more appealing.

We’re in year 2 of pure tank. Hopefully the next season has more Vlasic than Reichel stories. We’re all waiting patiently for Nazar, Moore, and whoever the top pick is this summer.

Yo Fatty, you scrub the fancies of this tilt? Reinforces the eye test, Hawks were the better puck hound possession team in this one but out-talented. https://www.naturalstattr...4&game=21092&view=limited

Keep in mind LA is 3rd in the league in GA and Talbot is 3rd in the league in GA and SV% since the break and a .917 SPG overall. Simply said Hawks out fancied them in CF% at a damn fine 54%, 50-50 in Fenwick and LA clubbed em in high danger chances 13-6 as a vet club will do countering mistakes. Pretty much what the eyeballs told you as you watched in what was as good a game as I've seen the Hawks play this yr..... Love the speed/puck hound/disrupt/take away time and space approach. Push push push, go go go, whatever you do do it fast.

Thought Reichel was hair on fire in the 1st, ok in the 2nd and played his skate around the ice reach game in the 3rd. An enigma for you to see all in one game.
- Mr Ricochet

Howdy - I only watched the first period and a half then sat down with the boss (wife) for a late dinner.

Lots of activity from the Hawks but not the same degree of quality chances to your point. 100% right that the fancy stats match the eye test and are instructive in terms of answering some of the "why".

The heat map feature there is pretty cool. Would be neat if you could drill down by line combos but it's still a nice visual of the actual shots.

I think the issue with Reichel is it was 100% balls to the wall the whole game. It's difficult to sustain for one game and impossible over the course of the season. He's gotta let the game find him rather than continue to chase.

Regardless of who his line mates are he needs to focus on playing his role in the system correctly and not try to do all of the things. It sounds like the staff has asked that but he continues to skate around like a wombat on speed.

Fatty, I think Richardson might start to have actual expectations next season. The Hawks will still be an awful team, but will have more talent than this year. Richardson will be expected to beat bottom feeding teams like San Jose, and the continued availability of great coaches will start to become more appealing.

We’re in year 2 of pure tank. Hopefully the next season has more Vlasic than Reichel stories. We’re all waiting patiently for Nazar, Moore, and whoever the top pick is this summer.
- ObeseOprah

Right. I'd like to see them in the 75-80 point range. 60 is not acceptable at this stage.

First bolded, yep. KK knew in real time he missed on a play. No to the 2nd bolded. IMO only Vlasic can handle playing with an inferior partner of the yougins. I like Vlasic, KK, Kaiser paired with a vet on each pairing.

Doubt the draft would factor in, like Levshunov at #4, but I doubt he makes the Hawks next yr if they draft him but who knows.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes to the bolded, at least another year, then they can start to integrate a young RD here and there.

Yes to the bolded, at least another year, then they can integrate a young RD here and there.
- Angotti

But first, KD needs to acquire said RHD. The only decent RHD prospect in the pipeline is Rinzel and he's a few years away from seeing NHL action. Maybe KD goes with a RHD with the Hawks first round pick?

Levshunov may be NHL ready, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play another year at Michigan State.

But first, KD needs to acquire said RHD. The only decent RHD prospect in the pipeline is Rinzel and he's a few years away from seeing NHL action. Maybe KD goes with a RHD with the Hawks first round pick?

Levshunov may be NHL ready, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play another year at Michigan State.
- DarthKane

There are actually a good number of RHD that will be FA's, so maybe one of those.

There are actually a good number of RHD that will be FA's, so maybe one of those.
- Chunk

UFA defensemen available this summer.

https://www.capfriendly.c...nse/ufa?stats-season=2024

Agree with others here that they will obtain a veteran RD to pair off with the young LD. KFC won't break the bank. Maybe a Justin Schultz, Troy Stecher, or Chad Ruhwedel for one year at 1-2M. Each could be be flipped at the TDL. Rinse and repeat the following season.

I can see something like this next year.

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Kaiser-XXX
Phillips

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if KK spends some time at Rockford to work on his game. This would give DelMastro or Allen an opportunity to get some NHL experience. Crevier would be the RD call up when Murphy gets hurt.

Unfortunately former NHLer Chris Simon passed away. It appears that he took his own life, his family saying it was due to CTE symptoms.

I had completely forgotten that he spent most of one season with the Hawks.

Check out this roster of luminaries:

https://www.hockey-refere...e.com/teams/CHI/2003.html

The Faxes from Uncle Dale guys made a decent point about Richardson - With Powers implying that at least the next year is going to be a throw away again and that they will sit on their hands until Bedard is re-upped (so 2 years) - how can the coaching staff continue to inspire belief in their system \ methods or believe in their system if they aren't able to get results due to the continued lack of talent and sand bagging? Maybe there's a mutual parting of ways if they don't start to at least try to win some games if not next year than the year after.

At what point does Bedard mouth off in an interview and say he's sick of losing? At some point the fan base is going to start to get irritated - especially if the Bears take a dump again this year. For example, not investing in the O line and getting their new QB knocked out for half the season.

They got their guy with Bedard. The focus should be building around him not continuing to throw more darts.
- fattybeef

Funny thing is they based their comments off something Powers mentioned about having guys to trade at the deadline next season. They basically said that Powers isn't making that up on his own, but rather something he heard from inside the Blackhawks organization.
They even mentioned the garbage DeBrusk son and Teravainen as targets, and then a week later Powers mentions the both of them in his article as players the Blackhawks might look into this offseason. So is Powers hearing that from inside the organization as well?

I get that they shouldn't try and sign anyone long term right now,especially since this year's free agent group isn't that great,but like many have said here,they should target at least 2 better players(on 2 year deals) so that Bedard can develop a bit more.

If the 2024 draft was as deep as some other drafts it wouldn't bother me if the Blackhawks got the 3rd or 4th pick,as it could be most likely someone who would play in the NHL next year. But from everything I'm reading nobody other than Celebrini will be starting the year off in the NHL.

Always liked Steve Sullivan