EXACTLY what I said to everyone I know who was drinking the kool aid after the draft and pre season. Kid was way to cocky. No pressure and he's fine. NFL pressure and good luck. Now we get to see if he learns to make quicker decisions. Right now Bagent helps them win more than the kid.
- 6628

I thought playoffs would be a long shot with an O line and running game.

I can tell you that this also is to no end of amusement to Packer fans... all I can actually reply is - look, I think you guys need to apologise to Trubisky... maybe it wasn't him.

But I mean ... that doesn't help. Those people north of the state line live to gloat...
- SC116

Trubisky's best years were with the Bears.

I can agree with the rookie QB part, but not sure where you get the bolded. There's a difference between confident and cocky and I don't think Williams came off like that at all.

Playing Bagent and possibly getting a few wins in a season they were at best competing for a wild card does nothing to move the needle overall. You didn't draft Williams to sit and as disjointed as the offense has looked, it's been three games. As ugly as it was at times yesterday I think he showed progress and that is still what this season is about, is developing Williams.

You still have to be able to run the ball and run block. You really think they are winning games right now averaging about 2.5 yds a carry and relying on Bagen't arm? Good luck with that.
- HawkintheD

Totally agree with everything you said.

Really nice to see more people coming around on Lardis as a prospect that might be sneakily good at putting up goals. I know he is on the smaller side weight wise, but I wonder how up to date the reported 165-170 ish lbs is. Probably at least another year or 2 to get stronger, but I think he is a pretty athletic kid.
- breadbag

5'-11" 190# would be right in an NHL wheelhouse.

I can agree with the rookie QB part, but not sure where you get the bolded. There's a difference between confident and cocky and I don't think Williams came off like that at all.

Playing Bagent and possibly getting a few wins in a season they were at best competing for a wild card does nothing to move the needle overall. You didn't draft Williams to sit and as disjointed as the offense has looked, it's been three games. As ugly as it was at times yesterday I think he showed progress and that is still what this season is about, is developing Williams.

You still have to be able to run the ball and run block. You really think they are winning games right now averaging about 2.5 yds a carry and relying on Bagen't arm? Good luck with that.
- HawkintheD

I'm not suggesting they play Bagent. I just enjoy watching him play. I'm a hockey guy, not a football guy. But Williams was all over the media in town here and he was cocky and in my opinion clueless as to what was going to happen. He sure doesn't have much of a line to play behind so it's not all him. But humbling him early on is a good thing for a cocky kid. Hopefully they get him help and he figures things out. Either way it's ok with me. Like I said, hockey guy.

Energy in the building for the Kings/Utah pre season game is like the playoffs.

Really nice to see more people coming around on Lardis as a prospect that might be sneakily good at putting up goals. I know he is on the smaller side weight wise, but I wonder how up to date the reported 165-170 ish lbs is. Probably at least another year or 2 to get stronger, but I think he is a pretty athletic kid.
- breadbag

Think it's Mo who periodically asks is there another core piece in the system, a difference maker? There was no reasonable answer to this 18 and 12 months ago besides Bedard and Vlasic (and only Vlasic in the last 11 months) and the possibilities for Nazar, Moore, Rinzel, maybe Hayes, Kantcerov but IMO it's ok for a Hawk fan to put Lardis in that group.

Guess I could tap out a few paragraphs but having seen Lardis at least 10 times this yr, and maybe that much the yr before, I feel comfortable having an opinion........ You do not have to watch too long to see glimpses of Guentzel.

Kid reads the ice in all 3 zones, knows where to go to be dangerous (kid gets a lotta breakaways), has darting ++ jump/twitch to get to those spots once identified, can handle most any pass at pace and can flat out shoot it. His reads, feet to react on those reads, and the +shot and scorers mentality makes him a kid to watch and allow yourself to think maybe this kid is a difference maker. Every yr he just scores goals...... He has everything needed. As one can see the kid is getting a lotta attention by those who cover the Hawks, their first time seeing the kid besides clips, cuz it ain't real hard to see tools of this waterbug.

And, he plays with Vanacker for Brantford so they are a must watch.

Thanks for posting. And from the same Powers' article, and for all you Phillips fans, here are some encouraging words about him.

Phillips has been noticeably knocking teammates around during the few days of camp. It hasn’t been anything malicious, but he certainly hasn’t been holding back.

The 22-year-old, entering his fifth professional season, entered camp with a focus on being more physical. He took the offseason to assess his development and decided after watching video of the game’s best shutdown defensemen that he needed to bring more of that physical element to his game.

“I haven’t always used my size in the way I feel like I could, so it’s definitely something I want to show in this camp is being that physical presence,” Phillips said. “If I want to be that shutdown pair type of guy who can be relied upon, that I can throw some big hits, use my body more. So that’s what I’m looking to show hopefully over here, then preseason games and continue on that path.”

Phillips admitted he is enjoying it, too.

“It’s fun,” Phillips said. “It’s great. Knocking someone down, it’s great. It feels good. It’s like, f— yeah, I can do that. … Sorry for swearing. But, yeah, it’s great. When you feel confident in your size and ability, it’s fun.”

You would have to think Phillips is likely in the running for the Blackhawks’ seventh defenseman spot. He and Crevier saw some time in that role last season.
- boilermaker100

BM, guess it's been at least a yr ago I thought Phillips will have an NHL career. Anyone can see his size/skating/athleticism, with underrated hands IMO, and think if he used that to play more physical you have an intriguing Dman.

Now add 4 yrs of reps to the 5th rd pick and things are starting to click for the kid. When a kid plays more confidently they play freer and that includes using your body.. To what extent he "figures" things out will determine just how good (his ceiling) he is as an NHLer.

Like Del Mastro, both kids are later rd picks and for those kinds to get to a point where they are getting real NHL looks you know if nothing else the kid is a hungry hockey player. ......

For those that enjoyed Mike Folta’s work on play by play in the Kurvers tournament, he is now the radio play by play man for the Utah hockey team.
- LAHawk

Good for Folta, bad for Hog fans. He's a competent prepaired guy with some hockey IQ. Not all are like that and he's a fine resource, especially for the minors........ Any word on a replacement, LA? I have a Flo subscription, so I'll be seeing most every Hog game cuz it has an on demand feature.

Justin was progressing at a glacier pace. He's a phenomenal talent and i think you can win a SB around him but you are going to have to have a great supporting cast. Processing the game especially zone not so good. Having him throw less than 30 times a game is ideal.

And like someone mentioned after this season he's getting paid.
- BetweenTheDots

And that makes him a fascinating watch as he is removed from the 75 yr dysfunction of the Chicago Bears and put on an NFL cornerstone franchise. .... If a scheme can be devised to fit a Micheal Jordan type athlete with slow processing ability the Steelers would be that kinda franchise.

Truly fascinating story/possibility...... I watched the game @ DEN. He looked really mature and it seemed he wasn't put into situations where he'd struggle and he managed his decisions well. All the while you know there is a 65 yard run or 75 yard pass possibility in a blink.

When he dropped back you didn't get the dread when he did the same with CHI. It looked different.

Although this was written about the Cubs and baseball, I find this article to be relevant to the Hawks rebuild;
https://www.bleachernatio...23/desire-paths-and-cubs/

As a matter of fact, I beleive that KD this year (after hearing from Foligno primarily) took the desired trail, as opposed tothe first 2 years when IMO he took the "by the book path"
- LAHawk

Fun read, love the photos........ Reading the thing LVG popped into my head as path walkers and conversely CAR and SEA insist on the traditional path no matter anything else.

As far as KD and the Hawks timing will be everything but as far as this article he's taken the traditional route. As you point out KD has added 2 legit top 6ers and 2 legit grizzled Dmen along with an interesting 3rd liner with size and speed to up the talent for his young players.

The time was right, he shifted gears. What will be the right time, what needs to happen, to shift gears next? Should he ever go the LVG route?

I'm not suggesting they play Bagent. I just enjoy watching him play. I'm a hockey guy, not a football guy. But Williams was all over the media in town here and he was cocky and in my opinion clueless as to what was going to happen. He sure doesn't have much of a line to play behind so it's not all him. But humbling him early on is a good thing for a cocky kid. Hopefully they get him help and he figures things out. Either way it's ok with me. Like I said, hockey guy.
- 6628

Hockey guy or football guy...still say you're confusing the two. Don't live in Chicago anymore but have heard lots of interviews with him.

Williams doesn't come off as cocky to me at all, just very confident in his ability to play football. He's a really sharp kid and from interviews I've heard thought he displayed a level of humility as well.

Some of the things happening with the Bears are definitely a rookie QB figuring it out; but the mess on offense is about 80% roster construction vs rookie qb learning on the job if not more.

I like watching Bagent hold a clipboard while Williams learns on the job.

Still waiting for further info on watching the Blackhawks this year.

I know when the Cubs went to the Marquis Network, our cable provider picked it up. I think they will, since the network also will have the Bulls and 5he worst team in baseball history, my lowly Sox.

If our cable provider does not, we will likely somehow stream it (Flo hockey.tv) and say goodbye to cable. We will then also need to find a stream for all the shows we watch, like YouTube tv or something.

Thanks for posting. And from the same Powers' article, and for all you Phillips fans, here are some encouraging words about him.

Phillips has been noticeably knocking teammates around during the few days of camp. It hasn’t been anything malicious, but he certainly hasn’t been holding back.

The 22-year-old, entering his fifth professional season, entered camp with a focus on being more physical. He took the offseason to assess his development and decided after watching video of the game’s best shutdown defensemen that he needed to bring more of that physical element to his game.

“I haven’t always used my size in the way I feel like I could, so it’s definitely something I want to show in this camp is being that physical presence,” Phillips said. “If I want to be that shutdown pair type of guy who can be relied upon, that I can throw some big hits, use my body more. So that’s what I’m looking to show hopefully over here, then preseason games and continue on that path.”

Phillips admitted he is enjoying it, too.

“It’s fun,” Phillips said. “It’s great. Knocking someone down, it’s great. It feels good. It’s like, f— yeah, I can do that. … Sorry for swearing. But, yeah, it’s great. When you feel confident in your size and ability, it’s fun.”

You would have to think Phillips is likely in the running for the Blackhawks’ seventh defenseman spot. He and Crevier saw some time in that role last season.
- boilermaker100

I think his biggest issue - isn't effort or physicality or whatever - its positioning off the puck and moving the puck efficiently.

The latter maybe improves with less poopty players. That should be an improvement across the board on the d core. Jones should be back to a 50 point player, for example.

I'd be interested to see how he's moving in the zone when the other team has the puck, how he positions himself to defend the blue line and rush and his ability to see the ice in front of him and make a simple play to escape the zone. That's the stuff that actually matters.

EXACTLY what I said to everyone I know who was drinking the kool aid after the draft and pre season. Kid was way to cocky. No pressure and he's fine. NFL pressure and good luck. Now we get to see if he learns to make quicker decisions. Right now Bagent helps them win more than the kid.
- 6628

Yeah but they don't need to 'win now'.

And the problem is more the offensive line and play calling than anything else.

It's good that he was able to take advantage of the "garbage time" and rack up some yards and touchdowns. Quality reps are quality reps. If he's struggling in year 3 then it's a problem.

Aikman, Manning and Bradshaw were pretty bad, pretty pretty pretty bad their rookie years.

Bears fans need to calm the (frank) down.

I read that Prime Video will have Monday night hockey for those who live in Canada. Also, a weekly hockey roundup. Mark Messier is involved.

Yeah but they don't need to 'win now'.

And the problem is more the offensive line and play calling than anything else.

It's good that he was able to take advantage of the "garbage time" and rack up some yards and touchdowns. Quality reps are quality reps. If he's struggling in year 3 then it's a problem.

Aikman, Manning and Bradshaw were pretty bad, pretty pretty pretty bad their rookie years.

Bears fans need to calm the (frank) down.
- fattybeef

Peyton Manning YR 1 GP 16
PCT 57% YDS 3700 TD 26. INT 28 RTG 71.2

And we're expecting Caleb to take us to the playoffs and be good/great out of the box without a running game. NFW.

Preseason line-up (projected) against Detroit

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lineup in practice
Bertuzzi-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Nazar-Lardis
Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
Donato-Spellacy-Smith

Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Korchinski-Murphy

Mrázek
Weeks

Preseason line-up (projected) against Detroit

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lineup in practice
Bertuzzi-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Nazar-Lardis
Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
Donato-Spellacy-Smith

Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Korchinski-Murphy

Mrázek
Weeks
- LAHawk

Looks like they sent a bunch of CHL players back. Misiak, Pharand, Vanacker and Henry were send back to their OHL teams. 49 players left

Hockey guy or football guy...still say you're confusing the two. Don't live in Chicago anymore but have heard lots of interviews with him.

Williams doesn't come off as cocky to me at all, just very confident in his ability to play football. He's a really sharp kid and from interviews I've heard thought he displayed a level of humility as well.

Some of the things happening with the Bears are definitely a rookie QB figuring it out; but the mess on offense is about 80% roster construction vs rookie qb learning on the job if not more.

I like watching Bagent hold a clipboard while Williams learns on the job.
- HawkintheD

He paints his nails. OMG, he is so cocky. IDK, I have found him anything BUT cocky in every interview I have seen.

Preseason line-up (projected) against Detroit

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lineup in practice
Bertuzzi-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Nazar-Lardis
Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
Donato-Spellacy-Smith

Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Korchinski-Murphy

Mrázek
Weeks
- LAHawk

Poor Vlasic.

Preseason line-up (projected) against Detroit

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
Blackhawks lineup in practice
Bertuzzi-Bedard-Teräväinen
Hall-Nazar-Lardis
Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
Donato-Spellacy-Smith

Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Korchinski-Murphy

Mrázek
Weeks
- LAHawk

Where's Reichel?

Poor Vlasic.
- Elbows15

Vlasic just might elevate whatever game Brodie has left, however Brodie should never sniff top four minutes during the regular season. One day we’ll see Vlasic paired with Rinzel, can’t wait for that to happen, especially as Rinzel keeps improving his defensive game.

Where's Reichel?
- rpeters01

Waiting for the next game. Hawks are playing 3 in 4 nights and they have to have a certain number of NHL vets on the ice.


My guess is they want to give the CHL guys a game before sending them to their junior teams

Vlasic just might elevate whatever game Brodie has left, however Brodie should never sniff top four minutes during the regular season. One day we’ll see Vlasic paired with Rinzel, can’t wait for that to happen, especially as Rinzel keeps improving his defensive game.
- Angotti

IDK, Lou. Brodie really fell off last season. Still not sure why KD even signed him for 2 years,