Blackhawks Find Another Way To Lose In Vegas
Hey, remember the game in Anaheim when the Hawks looked terrible in the first period, gave up two goals, and then scored two in the second period to tie the game? Only to give up two in the third and lose?
It’s deja vu all over again.
“Blackhawks can’t get down early,” they said.
Vegas scored 88 seconds into the game.
“Blackhawks can’t dig a multi-goal hole,” they said.
But what do these Hawks do almost as consistently as losing? They battled back – not enough, but they battled back.
Four minutes into the second period Jonathan Toews scored his 13th of the season to cut the lead in half.
John Hayden had a terrific shift leading to the Toews goal.
Dylan Strome scored his third since being acquired and sixth of the year to tie the game 12 minutes later.
Sadly, the game was tied after 40 minutes in spite of the Blackhawks getting four power plays. Remember that time the Hawks brought in Barry Smith to fix the special teams? It was going to be a game-changer, right? Good times…
When Artem Anisimov scored at 7:15 into the third, the Blackhawks (cough) had a lead (cough).
What was going on? Suddenly the Hawks had momentum, looked like they had remembered how to finish the job, and were ready to be a playo….
Vegas tied the game 41 seconds after Anisimov’s goal.
Vegas took the lead back 12 seconds later.
The Blackhawks lost 4-3.
But they had a lead. Moral victories?
Toews had a big night in the loss. For those who love symmetry, he skated 19:19 in the game. Chicago’s captain scored, won 16 of 23 faceoffs, was credited with two hits, three takeaways and a game-high seven shots on net.
There are a lot of things wrong with these Chicago Blackhawks. Jonathan Toews isn’t one of them.
Patrick Kane picked up one assist and seven shot attempts (four on net) in 27:49 on the ice.
Strome was credited with three blocked shots and won 10 of 18 faceoffs in the game. He skated 19:14.
Andreas Martinsen skated 8:21 and was credited with six hits. Because, remember folks, hits win hockey games.
If anyone wants to start the “Jeremy Colliton hates kids” narrative train, go ahead. Henri Jokiharju once again had the lowest ice time on the blue line (12:37). He was credited with two blocked shots, two hits and two takeaways but saw only two seconds of special teams time (both seconds on the power play).
From First to worst … in a few years
Power-less play… face to the palm.
Waiting for WJCs to see what’s out there to help put out this Dumpster fire!!!
and Rebuild
IT ain’t in Rockford!!!
Oh-never mind- Hawks ARE a Playoff team… I forgot!
Kane played almost 28 minutes, that’s hilarious. That’s more than #1 D-men in regulation like Buff, Suter, and Keith & Chara back in the day.
The new coach is desperate.
Wow was Seabrook bad last night. Thankfully he is locked up for five more years so we won’t lose him. On the positive side Toews was really good.
NHL goalies are paid to stop 40 ft. wrist shots, last night Crawford looked blind. As weak as this team is the goalies have to be better period. After watching Seabrook gift Vegas numerous opportunities and a goal it became clear he is done, no team would want him. There needs to be some soul searching by every player on this team. This group is years away from playoff hockey, just very disgusted with it all right now.
MS–
Seabrook
it is like paying Sopel– $8 Million/yr… at least Sopel was like 38 years old.. when He was Seabrook slow
Why is Coach C messing around with Fortin? The kid gives maximum effort on both ends, keeps the puck in the offensive zone for more chances, and gets better every game. It’s just a matter of time that his shots are going to go in. We are not going anywhere this year, so why allow someone who is going to be vital for the next wave to improve his game; we will need him next year and 10 more after that!
One more thing while I’m on a roll. Management of the Hawks if you are listening please remove all those bullshit commercials about ”One Goal” and “Dedication” it’s making the organization look pathetic with how this team is now. Rocky please step in and do something because you are losing a lifelong fan.
There was a lot of good effort last night. Unfortunately, the team is extremely fragile and all of that good work got flushed down the crapper once they got the lead and made the inevitable mistakes that they just can’t seem to get free of. It’s a tough loss, but they showed as much heart as I can recall in a long time. I’m not going to dump on them for that.
Meanwhile Stan Bowman is travelling everywhere looking to figure out a trade. What has he come up with? One rumour was Sam Gagner.
Yea. Serious.
“Why is Coach C messing around with Fortin? The kid gives maximum effort on both ends, keeps the puck in the offensive zone for more chances, and gets better every game. It’s just a matter of time that his shots are going to go in.”
Same was said aboot Jack Skille. I think I was him at BK yesterday.
Boys, it’s gonna be a tough watch rest of the year. My only guess is that the clock on Stan is ticking and in turn JC as well and this thing will get completely blown up at the end of the year. I still think something is missing in that locker room. It might be as simple as players not believing the guy(s) evaluating the talent. Leadership on this team can identify good talent from bad. They’ve played with great talent but this is a huge drop off, salary cap or not. As fans, we can identify what it takes to win as well because we’ve seen it. I’ll accept somewhat of a drop off due to cap casualties but this is bad. Elite GM’s that have won find a way seem to maintain a level of competitiveness while retooling and crafty drafting ( especially when you are drafting later when you’re winning). We all are thankful for the great success the Hawks have had but it just shouldn’t be this way, should it?
Note to Stan: Can we get faster AND bigger? ex – Tampa and Winnipeg. I love watching those teams forecheck and get after the puck like it means something. I really miss those days. Fav Dale Talon comment about drafting Toews… “He goes into the big trees and always comes out with the biscuit!”
OLD SLOW DEFENSE…
Hate to say it but CC for two games in a row looked bad on a couple of goals especially Marchessault’s – no screen no tip from a distance out – gotta stop that especially considering the circumstances
That’s where you want your calm experienced focussed leadership to show the young guys how to close out a game – oh well maybe next game
And then Seabrook again showing that experienced leadership puts a lazy pass right up the middle to be picked off then gets dangled by the Vegas player and then Kane who could have helped out in front of the the net is clutching his face looking for a high sticking penalty
what a pathetic sequence of two goals to lose the game from members of the veteran core
I wonder if Colliton will sit Seabrook especially if Murphy is ready to come back – I would applaud him if he did
Has Joki taken a step back since Q left or is it just me?
Does Colliton not have faith in him to give him a regular shift? He was first pair with Keith and looked good there most of the year!
Please stop the Crow bashing. He made more than enough spectacular saves to keep the game close. As much as I love him, Brent Seabrook’s days have to be numbered. He is slow and out of position WAY to often for a top pair. He needs to SIT NOW. Double shifting Kane all the time and playing him over 25 minutes a game shows desperation from a Coach that is in way over his head. For the life of me I can not understand how the powers that be could think you can replace the second winningest coach of all time, who has played 14 years in the NHL, with a 33 year old guy that coached 2 years in Sweden and 1 in the AHL. How can ANYONE on the team respect him. For a GM and VP that are all about marketing, this is an absolute nightmare. I can not wait to see how many season ticket holders drop next year. I LOVE the Hawks but can not justify the $15,000/yr I pay to watch AHL level hockey.
Blackhawk fans this what needs to happen to get our team respectable again: Wirtz needs to fire McD, Stan B, Jeremy C Then bring in Ed Olczyk as director of operations/ general manager,make a call to Coach Q beg for forgiveness and give him free reign of the squad. If not then the dark curtain will close on this team for a number of years.
Some fans questioned Stan earlier than others, but I suspect there is now universal agreement that he has to go. I don’t buy the end of the year argument either. He needs to go now. The Stan debate is over. The spotlight should be aimed straight at Rocky.
Physically, this team is better, I believe. We are taking players off the puck and finishing our checks………which is hockey 101.
Yep……it’s time to sit Seabs. I love the guy but the horrible pass thorough the slot killed us. The team confidence is low and bad things are happening. But it’s great to see Jeremy Colliton talking to the guys on the bench and giving them his ideas and thoughts from the great career he has had. Please, the guy is clueless.
Keep Hayden and Martensen in the lineup, at least they finish their checks and play 200′. They know their rolls on this club. To me, you can’t blame Crow for the loss. Turnover after turnover and poor D coverage has plagued this team for the last year.
Let’s see what happens on Sunday.
Is defense the thing around de-yard?
Our defense is pitiful.
I usually have the feeling the Hawks try to pretend that they are in a win-it-all season, where they only need to look for the best lines for the playoffs. No they are not, they are a rebuilding team. Kane with over 25 minutes in a game without an overtime? That’s ridiculous.
Players which showed promising performances get underwhelming icetime? Players who will be retired in 5 years carry the load even when they play bad hockey?
If you don’t want to waste Toews and Kane for the rest of their careers build some new generation depth, they will still be good players at the age of 35. Don’t start a Minnesota or st. Louis Dynasty of endless mediocrity.
Love THEAZTS idea! Hawks look disinterested at certain points of each game this year. Hawks had a five hundred record with coach Q, now with the dumbfounding hire of Mr. Colliton the downward spiral continues. Did you see Colliton trying to motivate Kane on the bench last night with a pep talk and pat on the back, Kane was like get away from me. A young coach with no NHL coaching experience is not what this team needs, especially now. Colliton only has a theory on how to coach this team, being he has nothing to base it off other than his Ice Hogs experience. Hopefully Colliton can come to a thesis on how to make this team better by the end of this year, but probably not. Now let me get to my favorite bum on the team Seabrook, which was the cause of two goals last night. I know the love fest for Seabrook and all the great things he has done for the Hawks. I also understand that he needs to play each night because he is all we have and has a stupid contract, but at what cost of wins? No NHL team in their right mind would trade for him, so why reward him by playing him each night? Wouldn’t making him a healthy scratch send a message to the team and command accountability, probably not, may backfire, but what the hell at this point. Something drastic needs to take place to wake this team up and make the team understand what it takes to win in the NHL each night. Lastly Stan your experiment is not working, please go away and take your buddy Barry Smith with you.
Everytime I see Barry Smith on the bench he has this look of “why the fuck am I here?”
Yes!!!! Let’s fire everyone and bring Eddie Olczyk in as Director of Hockey Operations/GM!!! That way we can worry more about what horses are running this weekend instead of watching a pathetic excuse for a hockey team! Eddie’s horse knowledge is probably stronger than his coaching or managing ability since we all know how that worked in Pittsburgh… wow!
Fortin… yes he is very quick… but hands suck… and he Cherry picks more than anyone on team… Not named Kane
Kane- can finish… and has some leverage… Fortin.. NOT!!!!!!!
Kampf- looked good again-imo
plays hard/skates hard/ goes to net/Plays smart… one of few on team who looks interested the entire game
Does it feel like 2006 all over again?
-inexperienced coach
-young d prospects in pipeline
-buncha prospects whose name starts with ‘B’
-handful prospects headed towards world juniors with majority on cdn team (ala toews,seabrook,barker,bertram)
-headed towards a first pick overall
“Wirtz needs to fire McD, Stan B, Jeremy C Then bring in Ed Olczyk as director of operations/ general manager,make a call to Coach Q beg for forgiveness and give him free reign of the squad. If not then the dark curtain will close on this team for a number of years.”
Why stop there? Banish all the fans too. Clearly they are not helping enough. Replace them with Preds fans who are clearly louder and noisier.
FIrst we need to fire Bowman and his clan which includes of course his dad, McDo, Barry who cares Smith, JC and and all the amateur and pro scouts.
OPTION #1:
Bring in Bill Zito from Columbus as GM.
Eddie O as president
Coach Q back as coach.
Option #2:
Dale Tallon GM
Eddie O President
Coach Q back as coach
Option#3:
Mark Hunter as GM
Eddie O President
Coach Pascal Vincent from Jets organization!!! Great young hockey coach! Canada Juniors etc…
Slow the roll on benching Seabrook. As much as he is older and his play has declined, even in his current state he is light years better than the guys that were scratched.
Our D core is that bad. Time to put the scrutiny on the GM that thought Ruutta for $2 million plus was a good idea, and Gus and Manning both were NHL defenseman deserving of two year contracts. Not to mention the Hail Mary signing of Davidson when it looked like all our other guys sucked in the preseason.
Hey FACEPALM. Do you ever listen to Olczyk when he’s on broadcasting or does the shows with Millbury or Jones?
Nothing wrong with Seabs. Last night he was stuck again playing alongside a minor league AHL player in Manning. Seriously, watching that guy play is painful. Rutta as well. Forlsling is ok but scared of his own shadow. Keith, Seabs, Saad, Kane, Toews and Crow are not the damn problem. To fire Coach Q who last two seasons had Osterle, Bouma, Franson, Kunitz, Ward, Davidson, Kruger, Kahun, Fortin, Martinson, Tootoo, Murphy, Rutta, Kampf, Hayden and Sikura is embarrassing. Any other GM would have been fired.
The Tank is in full effect; hiring the new coach…..I imagine was to tank the ship even further. Moreover to see what player goes to uppermanagement first requesting a trade. What bothers me most??? All the rumors of Stan’s Dad’s best friends now assistant coach rumored to want to improve the powerplay years ago….it’s gotten worse! Seabs made a bonehead glaring dumb play that you shouldn’t see on anything above fun league. Couple things about it; it happens; it happens to the best of players; better now than the Stanley Cup playoffs. Seabrook is still better than the majority of the defenseman and without looking around the league too much is probably a top 4 defenseman on most if not all teams. If you just focus on something someone does wrong you’ll probably find a lot of problems with a lot of defenseman on most teams. Same can be said for the goalies. Who are the elites now? Rinne(nash), Gibson (ana), Fleury (vegas), Price(mtrl), the jacketsa nd tampa goalies; after that goalies seems to largely go on streaks….and being Crow is on a cold streak I didn’t put him on that list if but if you were building a team and could pick any goalie to win today; ignoring contracts and all that Crowford makes the list of goalies to pick to win.
Doughty had some interesting comments about the kings woes.
But when we’re not playing well, we’re not competing, you can’t live with it and we haven’t lived with it since it started happening. It’s going to take everyone to get us out of this, not just three or four guys.”
Doughty continued when asked to expand on his comments about competing.
“No,” he said. “You see some guys playing physical. Bottom line is, L.A. Kings have to be a physical hockey team – we’re not as skilled as other teams, that’s just the bottom line. We have to be a physical team, we have to be a hard team to play against.
“We have to have teams come in here and be like, ‘Oh, no, we’ve gotta play the Kings again in their arena,’ you know what I mean? I don’t see enough physicality from our team, I don’t see enough compete.”
Nothing wrong with Seabs-are you serious-did you actually watch the game? He isn’t THE problem, but his slow feet and poor decision making at times certainly don’t help. The NHL passes people by quicker than it use to. If Bowman goes I sure hope someone from above doesn’t take over.
and all this love for Olczyk-yes let’s get a saviour in to fix all that is wrong with the world-Good Grief! How about Toe Blake and Bill Torey-wait, are they still alive?
Crow needs a break, he is like an old engine that needs time to warm up and still timing chain is missing a couple teeth. Seabrook is like a blown head gasket, love the guy and the player 5 -10 years ago, but it is sad and frustrating to watch him try to play hockey now. He is also a candidate for CTE with all the head shots he has absorbed through the years, that could be starting to affect him as his drop off is precipitous. Anyway some good hockey play like part of last night, and 1 win out of 3 games for rest of year, with a chance for major house cleaning including SB, and the Hawks still have some great pieces including Toews again. Where did that player go the previous couple years, he’s fun to watch again and his speed and hands are back.
wow my syntax is like Trump’s there in the message for some reasomn sorry. Meant it will be fun to watch some players develop like Strome(Perlini is garbage BTW) and others, get some draft picks and FA for next year, and trade away some major players including Duncs and Crow if they have value. Not sure what they can do with Seabrook at this point but he simply cant and should not be playing anymore, period.
I do listen to Ed with Jones and Millbury. I also listen to many other talking heads (old and current GMs, ex players, current and ex coaches), podcasts, and message boards. I like to get a lot of information and think upon it all, rather than simply hearing one perspective and assuming that is the only way to go. Find it interesting that all three are simply on the same show. None of which, in my opinion, would be good for any team’s front office.
After last night’s disaster, I kind of chuckled at how it would translate into board talk today. I am not surprised by the disgust.
My take – Seabrook and Crow had bad games. Crow battled hard and helped more than he hurt us, but I doubt he is happy with a couple that got by him. He, of all the players on this team, gets a pass for his inconsistent play last night. The cold look on Toews and Kane when being talked to by Colitton tells me they haven’t bought into the new coach. Gotta have that or we never get improvement this year. They are paid by the Chicago Blackhawks and need to respect it, or ask to be traded.
PLEASE put Keith and Seabrook together. 7 with Manning is fine for me, but 2 with any kid is a disaster (see Joki’s current status after being left on an island night after night). 7 can handle 2’s play. Kids can’t , and they get hurt trying to figure out how to fix his bad pinches and bailout passes. Hull – I challenge you to tell me what playoff team from last year, or this year, would have Keith on their top pair. Name me 3 teams please. And then please get that trade done for us! I’m not sure there is another team in the league that would have 2 on their top pairing, let alone 2 and 7. Vancouver? Can’t think of their pairing. LA is worse than us in the standings and neither player can carry Doughty’s jockstrap right now. Reality can suck, and right now it does. Please don’t pair a veteran player who declares that the NHL isn’t a developmental league with a rookie or player we are trying to devclop. And don’t call him a leader either. He is entitled to an opinion, but needs to play for the team.
I don’t know why our management team has been so screwed up the past 5 years, but it needs fixing. Q is gone – step one. Was he the only problem? I don’t think so, but management needs to work together, not against each other. Rocky, I hope you have a plan. For me, that plan is not apparent. Talk to us – we deserve that much. You want our hard earned money, then come out and make a play for it.
Since so much of the board want Eddie (Horseman) Olczyk as GM – I vote for Pat Foley as head coach.
I’m betting that after 5 years behind the bench he will finally understand how the TOO MANY MEN rule works. Maybe. He can always ask Billy Gardner for help as I believe Gardner was the one who explained the current understanding to him. In fact – there’s a good assistant coach!! Billy!! Billy!! Billy!!!
The 2nd period, the 3rd period, and the 1st period … aka, The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Fall behind. Claw back. Lose game. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Kane (and Toews) had major minutes because the Hawks are in desperate need of a win. This could have been a big psychological lift. But beyond that, they will be burned out before long if this is ongoing.
HEREISMIKE is right about Seabs. We have few options at D, at least until Murphy is back and up to speed. If possible, management should package Seabs with a player/pick (unfortunately, their only option) to a playoff team.
Yes, Crow gave up a soft goal, but he made many “big” saves, as he has all season. Look at what he has in front of him. But there needs to be a high-end G brought in or developed for next year to split the job with Crow.
AA’s steal and goal doesn’t get much more amazing. He has been playing well the past couple of years. However, since we are going nowhere this year, I would trade him if he could fetch an early 2nd round pick or good prospect.
Perlini was terrible against Anaheim but am withholding judgement until he gets more experience. Am more concerned about Strome who, hopefully, will be a cornerstone of this franchise. He is good at the dot, makes laser accurate passes, and has a good shot. But he doesn’t like carrying the puck. Is it because he doesn’t have the wheels? He also doesn’t fight for the puck along the boards. Hopefully, it is just a matter of time when both players show improvement and become locks in our rebuild.
Silent Spot-good one
and real sound thoughts above few posts-
Speaking of CTE and concussions it will be interesting to see the documentary coming out about Mr. Probert.
#7 is the ultimate gamer, left with little game.
Peter, I believe the same 19 and 88 will still be good at 35.
It will take 2 yrs to rebuild load up from draft/develop.
We will get rewarded by doing the right way.
Trading everybody in sight is not right way, trading most might be.
Its not who get the most return, because were not desperate, without players like 19/88/20, were needing to trade everyone who wont be here anyways in 2yrs/when were deep again. Gaining as many picks for drafting prospect that could be good, to keep em coming once were depp we still have more coming/elcs.
None of the details really matter, per say, when you finnaly realize it just doesn’t matter for last yr and this yr. Just get your act together so in 2 yrs we know what were doing, when it matters.
The Four Horsemen are coming and a high end elite FW to add to that.
Trading 23 and 44.
The tuff sch doesn’t end until mid-JAN.
It’s amazing to here that Bowman is now trying to trade AHLers like Manning and Rutta who have bad, bad contracts as well. Just amazing how he can continue to be a dumb GM and the Wirtz family just keeps Binny’s alive and Bowman too!
What a dysfunctional group of imposters. They are the Joke front office of the NHL.
Pathetic. Trade AA too by the way. And stay away from Sam Gagner’s contract. Dump Kruger!!!
I think Bowman has realized he messed up, should never have signed 23 or 44. Seabs is past his prime by a mile, can’t skate, makes bad decisions, and turns the puck over a lot. 2 is serviceable for now but getting up there. 28 needs more ice time he’s arguably the best and smartest d man on the team, could play with 42 around 22 mins a night.
Guys were hurt. Nobody/not many knew Buckaroo would be ready, that early. Forsling was still developing sort of. Rutta might return to pre injury form. It was fine from the standpoint we needed bodys and not knowing those things then. If they didn’t do/are good then just not resign. Nothing against anybody. When we look back in 2 yrs these ufas could be part/vital part of is reloading.
I’ve been on the draft and develop bandwagon here for quite awhile and I realize I’m posting the same thing over and over again.
Stan would be wise to take a page from Theo Epstein’s book and “Dominate the Draft”.
The Hawks likely will be picking in the top 3, so they will get a blue chip forward.
Picking in the top 3 in the second round, will get us a second pick in the top 35.
It would be fantastic to somehow get another 2nd rounder or even late 1st rounder.
If they can get a draft pick now for Ruuta, to open up a spot for Murphy, that would be great.
Hang onto Manning until the trade deadline. Contenders might be willing to fork over a pick then, if they believe they need 10 NHL defensemen to make a Cup run.
Either way, Stan needs to sell, sell, sell.
Yes. Yes.
Wall – Agree re: Kampf – one of the very few bright spots this year. Definitely a keeper. Anyone know why Forsling sat last night? Was he hurt? He has arguably been our best d-man lately.
MS said he was day to day, tried to play thru injury in Anahiem, so ot serious. Upper body i believe.
Prospects
Boqvist 1g 1a
Ryczek 1g 1a 2nd star
Beaudin 1g
Foo 1g
Gravel 23 saves on 25 shots won
Hagel 1g thru 2 periods
Maisse and Coughlin in 3rd too
Blackhawks have the second worst record in the NHL. Ouch.
On the positive, I can finally afford to bring the family to Hawks games.
Keep posted stuff on prospects.
That is the light at tunnel.
Perlini only half a dozen shifts and none in 3rd. Didn’t respond to being on Toews wing, maybe Colliton didn’t like his effort. The knock on him in Arizona.
Wall like the way Kampf is playing but needs more offense, could be a good 3rd center then.
Ian, I’m trying to reserve judgement on Perlini but how in the world did this guy score 17 goals in the NHL last year and 14 the year before ? That trajectory would tell me he’s on the cusp of being a 20 goal scorer. But by the looks of things, that’s not even fathomable at this point. Very disheartening.
Sikura with tying goal late in 3rd and winner in ot tonight. Time he gets a look.
Yeah Craig hopefully he becomes a decent bottom 6 player but like you said at this point he hasn’t earned a qualifying offer after this season.
One reason why a north/south player like Perlini isn’t showing much is because the Hawks don’t play much north/south fast break hockey. The reason the Hawks don’t play much north/south fast break hockey is because they don’t get the puck up and out of their d-zone quickly. Instead, the Hawk’s d-men are more prone to turn back into their d-zone to try to shield the puck from a forechecker, often igniting the all too often seen fire drill defense. By the time the Hawks gain control of the puck with an opening to exit their d-zone – the opposing team has 3 or 4 players back on defense eliminating the opportunity to quickly transition from defense to offense. The d-prospects on the way should help to remedy what is basically a non-existent north/south fast break game.
With their win tonight the Blues pulled ahead of the Hawks in the standings – 24 points to 23 points. The Blues still have 3 games in hand too. Only LA has fewer points (21) but they also have a game in hand. If things don’t change much throughout the rest of the season the Hawks are almost guaranteed a top-5 pick. Jack Hughes will probably be the 1st pick, but there are quite a few other very good forward prospects. While Hughes isn’t big, the other guys selected in the top-5 all have good size to go along with very good skills. Hughes is probably good enough to play right away in the NHL, jury is still out on the other guys being ready for the NHL right out of the gate. In any case the Hawks should have a very good top-6 center/wing ready to go by the 2020/21 season, if not before.
Tank, tank, tank and don’t look back.
Let’s not think TOO far ahead- Jack Hughes 5’10”, 168 lbs?!
Bigger, faster?? Smaller?
A lot of water going under the bridge before that decision but that’s the point of organizational strategy, including the 5-10 year plan for talent movement, acquisition and development.
Right now all we are seeing is knee-jerk management…and if Bowman’s expertise includes statistics- we ARE, statistically, near the bottom of the pile!
Sad how it got here since 2015- but what has been learned? SB, JM and RW don’t seem to have much of a plan!
Ebony, I totally agree about Perlini. The most glaring difference ( anmong many) in this Hawk team from past is the lack of transition game from defense to offense.
Fast fact, some of the reason Seabs and Keith are in there is because they make effort to blocks shots. Keith 9th in the league with 58 and Seabs 13th with 56. Next up is Gus with 41 around 75th in the league. The great Jan Rutta…… is 217th with 21 blocks and a whopping 16 hits. If you not going to play physical defense, then get your sorry ass in front of the puck. That would be one sure way to get the coach to notice you as well although they keep throwing him out there anyway. Manning in the 20 blocked shot range too but I think he’s just too slow to react to a shooter to get there in time. Murph should help with this when he returns.
It did happen fast, 2015 to last yr/this yr. Thing is, its probably the best thing that could have happened to us for reloading with the most/more good yrs that 19/88 and whoever have before their 35-40 (which I still think they’ll be able to play to 40, just not prime yrs/their prime of their prime yrs delivered a deep dish dynasty).
So the bad trades, tank ufas and timing of Q and other things were the absolute best things that we could have done to reload.
Just get your act together, not yet, by the time were ready roster wise. For now pretend we suck, play good, just do not win too much.
LA is 8, we are at 7, STL and a couple others are at 4 under .500 for top 3 picks.
If blocked shots and hits are the measuring stick then Jokiharju averaging a blocked shot a game 26 and 4th on the team in hits behind Martinsen, Manning and Seabrook should be seeing alot more ice time then.
EB i would assume that was why Colliton put Perlini with Saad and Toews hoping he would respond but he didn’t take advantage and was benched.
Blocked shots and hits mean you don’t have the puck very much. Not saying that Rutta is good because he has few shot blocks. But citing Keith’s shot block total as a quality defensive metric is questionable.
I’m not sure what grade Bowman should get overall-good has to be weighed with the bad-
But for those that think you can win three Cups and come out of that smelling like a rose you are smoking something that needs to be shared.
And it was just at the end of the last Cup that the thinking was just starting to shift (and became entrenched in about 2017) that you don’t throw money at guys who have done well, you throw it at guys you think will do well. So for some of this it’s hard to blame Bowman and upper management. Yes some of the trades and free agent signings are questionable and the terms of 7’s contract is a poor decision but there is fall out from ‘going for it’ and on that front (the all in results) they get a high grade. Since then the grade has gone down, but it probably had to?
The next year or two will complete the grade-if Bowman last that long, which is very iffy.
Stan should look to Philadelphia as a trade partner. Bob McKenzie reported this week that new GM Chuck Fletcher has strict orders to do everything he can to get the Flyers in the playoffs.
He has a decent cupboard of draft picks and prospects. Stan should be talking to him at length about veteran players like Anisimov, Kruger, and maybe even Saad, and see what we might be able to get back for the future.
Noonan problem with that route is you end up like Oilers in cap hell with nothing to show and shedding key pieces like Hall and Eberle to sign Mcdavid and Draisatil etc. The Leafs are in that boat now going to have to lose some key pieces to sign their 3 young forwards and may have nothing to show if they don’t win this year. At least by rewarding later the Blackhawks were able to keep enough of the roster together for a 3 cup run. Paying for it now and fan base is up in arms but history will show this was a well maintained organization.
Demise started with getting rid of Shaw. Heart and soul of team. Now has 16 points for Habs. Trading #4 – another bad move. Breaking up the best chemistry in hockey (Panarin) took the cake.
Of all the posts above, only Nigrelli mentions parting ways with Saad. Replay the last 2 minutes of the game and you will see Toews bust his ass 150 feet, lift the stick of a Vegas player behind the Vegas net, possess the puck and flip a perfect pass out in front of the net … to no one there. Meanwhile, Saad is standing flat-footed about 20 feet from the goal on the right side with no one between him and the net. If he would have gone to net, he could have received Toews’ pass and fired the puck, and maybe in, to tie the game. Missed opportunities like that define the Hawks this year yet fly under the radar about what is really wrong.
Faceoffs win/lose/% year-to-date:
Blackhawks: 872/870/50.1
Toews: 368/264/58.2
Others: 504/606/45.4
I have not point to make. I just like to track Jonny in the dot because he is so good at it. He still has to figure out O’Reilly though.
After Perlini got benched against Vegas, Kampf played a few shifts on wing with 19/20. It brought to mind how thin the scoring is on the wings — other than 12, 20, 88 there is nothing. I think it might be interesting when 5 gets back to try Gus on the wing (I mean he never really plays defense so why not make if official). He could stay on one of the PP units as well where he actually does have value. It’s not like there is any downside to trying it.
Jordy good stats on Toews his importance there on faceoffs.
Even when struggling he was dominant there.
Often wonder why offensive defensemen who seem like liabilty om backend like Gus aren’t used on wing more. Some say being accustomed to seeing game develop in front of them that moving to wing and adjusting to seeing it develop there can take an edge away from their game and at NHL level thats more than enough reason not too. Agree trying him there worth a shot.
Murphy activated from ir abd Forsling moved to ir.
Blocked shots certainly aren’t the only measuresble but it does have value. Not much to pick from from this defensive roster. Seabs and Keith should be pulling less minutes , I agree, but choices are limited. Play Joki more at this point, let him make his mistakes and see if he learns. At least he can skate the puck out of trouble. I just don’t see any value in Rutta. Decent shot but that’s about it.
Finishing checks wins games ?? Really ?? Martensen is as usefull as those dummy’s the Hawks used in practice. Hayden at least has skill and is physical. So why bench Seabs ? Keith is a turnover machine and is weak on the boards and in front of the net….sit Keith, take away the A too. Murphy was a bad trade, so deal him away along with Forsling. Bring up Raddysh, he is playing great in Rockford. This season is a bust, bring some kids up, give em some NHL experience. Send Martinsen down, bring up Tyler Sikura and Edsjel.
Kaapo Kakko- bigger player… scoring pretty good clip in Liiga (Fin Pro league)
I think he is ready for NHL- as soon as next year
Dach/Cozens/Lavoie/Kaliyev– all bigger guys- who Might be able to play NHL in year or two….
I luv Kaliyev– only seen him in hilites… has Hossa type release- quick and sneaky hard shot….
Podkolzin– never seen this Russian kid– but some scouts say he is gonna be Taresenko- like guy- and teams who pass on him… will be kicking themselves in ass
ALL above have size- especially when u consider what Hawks have now-
Hughes is tiny– but dude skates like Kane and Panarin- combo– scary shifty/ excellent passer/vision… His Shot– is not close to either 88/72… but honestly- probably a better skater than both 72/88…
Hilites show Hughes kinda skates like 72/88 combined- hard to pass on him- even with just average shot- like Kane- makes everyone around him better
@CRAIG NIGRELLI ….
Interesting comments about Philly, because I’ve heard NHL Network folks talk about Quenneville as being Philly’s next coach, starting next season. And you’d figure that since another team has to ask Blackhawks top brass for permission to talk to Quenneville about a job for next season, it’s more likely to be granted to a team in the East.
From Ian–” problem with that route” ???
is only if it doesn’t work and you don’t get Cups-the Hawks had a vision-and came through with three Cups-now they re-group, and have some pain
Oilers, Leafs yet to be determined.
When it rains it pours – just saw a video of our 2nd round pick Arthur Kayumov cold cocking a ref in the KHL. Suspended 13 games.
Kayumov with the trifecta: blatant head shot, slugs the official, then puts on a show for the crowd. Total loser performance. Maybe he should stay in the K.
Sign Kayumov to an ATO in Rockford during his supension. Let him get 10 games in over here.
Also on the prospect front : keep your on defenseman Jakob Galvas. He’s playing top pair minutes in Europe. I read this week he is going to be the #1 defenseman for the Czechs at the upcoming World Junior tournament. Should be a real good 9 game sample.
Noonan exactly, there is no wrong or right way either way your rolling the dice, just saying the good points to how the Blackhawks did it. I think getting the goods delivered first then rewarding is a little better way to roll the dice in my opinion.
Hope Galvas is signed to an elc after this season sounds like he is definitely worth a look.
Good idea on Kayumov but he is still under a KHL and will be off limits.
Be interesting to now % of Tazer and Oreally faceoff numbers before the league changed to reules to help/hurt how ever many centers with differences in the faceoffs rules.
That’s tuff call. You cant say always sell high and think youll get good players abck, everytime/as many. I would say when your in a dynasty you roll as long as you can. We did, really won 4 in 6 yrs. We still have a really good chance to have a top team again for the last 7-10 yrs of 19/88 (based on playing to 40).
I would do some like 20 and some like 8. Signing the temp. ‘tank’ ufas might make up for it. Even with half a NHL roster, its tuff to get top 3 % pick. Its sort of amazing how this is going to work out for us, again, getting lucky, to suck at the right time to get 19 and 88 and now BoQ and another top 3 guy.
Just having 3 good ufas for a short term would have had us picking 10-15. What good would that do. Not. We wouldn’t be reloading with top 5 skill again. It would be with guys like 8 and others. Could be good/not for sure. With top 3 picks, unless a rare yr, your getting ‘those’ kind of players.
Just what the ‘good’ doctor ordered for 19/88 32-40 yrs. Add another Cup.
Kayumov has a pulse!! Get him in the lineup ASAP!!! BTW- Kings 3-1 over Vegas after 2…our race to the bottom may be over tonight!!!
I saw the Kayamov video and he definitely hit the guy in the head on the boards, but it looked like the punch to the referee’s face was an accident. It looked like he was taking a swing at an opposing player off camera while being pulled back and the punch missed the intended target and connected with the referee. Plus it pas a weird fist where it looked like he was opening his fist and by the time he connected on the referee it was like an open hand slap then a closed fist punch.
Either way he got bad juju coming his way.
Craig N…
Re: Galvas- Yes he plays top minutes for His team…
BUT– iwas at prospect camp 2 years ago… standing around 10 feet from Rozsival and talking to someone I didn’t know… all sudden when a kid in shorts and tee shirt comes up to Rosey and other… starts speaking in Czech… several minutes go by… I remember asking myself- who the F is this kid… around 5’10 and was skinny as a tooth pick… couldn’t have been more than 160 lbs… maybe even 150lb
Now- I have never seen Galvas play… and that was couple years ago… but the kid was razor thin… doesn’t mean he can’t play.
Galvas- I also know he was able to play with his Dad on Czech team– His dad was a D man too … so I am guessing Jakub- has some pretty High IQ- for D man…
pretty cool to play pro hockey with dad
connected on the referee it was like an open hand slap.
Maybe that’s what the refs need, to start calling games right/for us. Still cant believe how manytimes they screw us over on instant replay the last 8 yrs. Sounds kind of fishy.
The beauty is when some people will make fun of us because were not a top 5 team anymore and donot have a good record last yr this yr. Well be laughing in the end when we get another awesome draft player.
Man I would like to take a peek into 2.5 yrs from now and see how good were going to be/watch.
Prospects
Chl
Entwistle 2g 1a
Ryczek 1g 2a
Boqvist 1g
Kurashev 1g
Hagel 1g 2a through 2 periods
For Wall Kaliyev 1g 3a
NCAA
Barrett 1g 3a
Maisse 1g
Shea 1a
Nordgren still not back in lineup in Finn league.
Neither Wise or Krys listed on BU lineup today either. Craig any info?
Draft Kappo Kakko. Dude is a beast. Reminds me of Laine and Hossa combined.
Will check on Krys tonight. I just got back from my beer league game.
Biggest screw job in hockey not being talked about anywhere. Justin Holl the former Hawk draft pick has played 1 game out of 30 for the Leafs. Healthy scratch 29 times.
Why would they not send him to the Marlins on a “conditioning” assignment?
They don’t want to lose him on waivers yet do not dress him ever. Bizarre.
Holy we have that many guys doing that good.
We sure we have that many good juniors players.
There are (5) things that an NHL team NEEDS to do to win games on a consistent basis:
1. Protect the front of their net.
2. Attack the front of the opponents net.
3. Kill Penalties.
4. Score on their power plays.
5. Finish their checks.
The Hawks do NONE of these things, that’s why they stink!
DP64……..ask any coach. This ain’t “no check” hockey. Watch ANY successful NHL team and they finish their checks. Get a clue. Oh my god DP64 has to be Jeremy Colliton in disguise.
Chad Krys has a broken finger.
Bad news for him and BU. He and Fabbro run the power play.
The scuttlebutt is Krys will be a better pro than college player due to his skating and offensive ability to push the pace.
BU will likely miss the NCAA tournament, so Krys should be in Rockford by March.
I think PT Barnum once said, “There is a Stan born every minute!”.
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Kimmo Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday for a second-round draft pick in 2015 and a conditional fourth-round pick in ’16.
Timonen, who will turn 40 on March 18, has not played this season after doctors discovered blood clots in his lower right leg and in both lungs. He has been cleared for contact.
***There is hope that someone will trade for Manning or Rutta – Nah!***
Ian- and let’s not forget Kaliyev is younger than all of those other guys- putting up serious points… and has some size/strength…
Youtube his hilites… Hossa like release… deceptively hard shot…
While we are dreaming…
If SB/McD – keep this current roster next summer (minus a few of course- Kunitz/Ward– cuz Hawks are a Playoff team)… perhaps they go all in for Lafreniere 2020 draft… kid reminds me of Bergeron… off the charts hands/IQ/skating
Wall Lafreniere will be at the wjc, see how does as a just turned 17 yr old against mostly almost 20 yr olds.
Kaliyev right now projected to go in the high teens or low 20s pick in 1st round, which would not be Blackhawks range but that may change. Good size and hands.
Glad Krys nothing serious, wonder if gets a few games with Blackhawks at end of season, be good to see how he looks with them.
Wall Nordgren was listed on lineup for his team for yesterdays game but got no points
By the way Schmaltz 3 goals 3 assists in 6 games. I don’t think Perlini has 6 shots on goal yet. What a joke of a GM.
and let’s not forget Kaliyev is younger than all of those other guys- putting up serious points… and has some size/strength…
Same for BoQ.
We could trade up from top 2nd pick or acquire a 15-22 pick from trade at deadline.
Ian- Yes, I caught the Nordgren thing… wouldn’t mind seeing Hawks trade/trade up- if Kaliyev really drops into low teens (after top 3 pick of course)- giving Hawks 2 first round picks
Demo- RE: Schmaltz… REALLY Interesting… I noticed a huge drop in Schmaltz’s play this year…. suddenly- He is playing like a potential star again???
So question is… was it Schmaltz? Hawk’s system?? Or — Hawk’s TEAM – just flat out sucks???
That’s is we lost 6 games in a row, does anyone on Blackhawks shave 6 goals/shots.
ARI prob has won 6 in a row or most of those 6 games, scores were higher scoring games like how they beat STL 6-1 or something.
Its not Schmaltz or this guy here, nothing against them. Hes playing with that good young player/1st line min. and theyre higher scoring games.
So what if Schmaltz is better then the two guys we got. Hes not good at what we need going forward. We need guys like 20/72 and Steeger and Richy role players/goal contributors.
Was trying to find out why Peeters isn’t playing or even backup this year, either injury or struggling not sure.
Came across this, not counting 2018 draft only4 of the last 127 goalies drafted in the 6 prior drafts played more than 63 nhl games. Murray, Vasilevsky, Hellebuyck and Andersen all taken in 2012. Only 5 of 84 drafted from 2014-17 have made the NHL and played a combined 6 games.
So dudn’t miss out much on drafting goalies since 2012. Some promise but yet to produce at NHL level.
Schmaltz seemed to find some confidence in a new environment hope it continues for him. Strome showed well on west trip, hopefully he works out, Kane played with him and 12 a few shifts last game looked to be more on same page tgan a few games ago. Perlini right now has played himself out of lineup, needs to step up.
Wall agree the 2nd pick in next draft could be huge, moving up would be a plus for sure.
Well, we have the Habs here on UC home ice at 5:00 pm. Bears at 7:30. Will be interesting to see if season ticket holders hold em or fold em tonight. I wish only for the Hawks to come out of the gate with a sense of purpose, play with discipline, and get the feet moving. This streak of inept starts needs to stop tonight. Looking back at this recent propensity of finding ways to lose games basically in the first 5-10 minutes of games is kind of historical to my memory. Sure we have seen Hawks teams have some extended runs of losing games, but not like this. Never.
Special teams can’t get worse can they?
I was pleased to see Crow airing it out in a Chicago Trib article this morning. He is a proud guy like many of his Cup winning team mates. Losing games the way they have has to be killing those guys. Would be nice to see team mates rally around Corey. Crow has taken a physical beating with opposing players doing fly bys, with bodies banging his head. Take a damn penalty, but make those guys pay. Yes, if Hawks PP could score some goals there would probably be less contact with Crow around the crease. Should have been a goalie interference on Vegas the other night.
Kane needs to get back on track. He has not looked at all happy, his shooting accuracy is off(like many of his team mates) and all the line shuffling isn’t helping matters. All I can say to these Hawks vets is, suck it up buttercup. You guys are getting well paid to do your jobs. Gotta see some pushback tonight or the boo birds will be out in force!
Let’s Go Hawks!
Power Play – Why have 88 on the right boards to feed the middle slot guy or far side boards guy for one-timers when we don’t have any right handed players with a one-timer shot? Schmaltz or Panarin, but they aren’t here any more. Put 88 on the left boards? Nah – he doesn’t want to be over there. How about changing the setup back to an umbrella or just declining the penalty? This is an obvious hole in the team – we need a righty who can one-time a puck. Tried Seabrook on the wing. Didn’t work. Dcat not that good of a one-timer.
Phil, yea I mentioned that towards the end of the 0-6-2 stretch, that I just saw something I havnt seen since 2008. Said we might see that kind of stuff during these transition yr/s because were not full roster/problems from that to battle through. Same thing your saying about that, in this batch of stretch havnt seen anything like that since, when.
I havnt seen many of recent games, but if any other teams players are going near Crow helmet and contact in any way. I would tomahawk their legs with the goalie stick. Who cares if he gets suspended for 5 games. I know he wouldn’t want to get suspended but its worth it after the injury he had. Common, I didn’t know that. Only thing I saw was 44 hitting that guy after, that one time.
Other then the initial 2-0-2 push. Since Q left its a major difference. No excuses and nothing agasint COL, I think he ll be fine in the long run. The sch were in, as Ian said mths ago, is the most difficult in these 82 games. Multiply that with Q and roster things, you have..
the lather effect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bna-eLQrhUo
Some of the core isint done yet, just need a full roster. 2yrs.
Who was it that tomahawked a player. Hextall.
We need to Hextall those players who go near Crows helmet area.
Silent spot thats a good point on lack of right shot. Really no answers on current roster or Rockford.
If it is to be addressed in off season, currently Entwistle in particular a big guy who uses his size has lethal wrister and Nordgren a Dcat type size who gets open are right shots who could make team in the fall.
Panarin the obvious fa choice but if not him, Stone and Eberle are high end fas who are right shots who might play that role on pp.
The top 4 projected forwards Hughes, Kappo, Cozens and Podkolvin are left shots but guys like Kaliyev, Dach or Lavoie are all righties who could be top 5 pick by draft. Even someone like a right shot Leason from WHL, passed over in last draft, knock on him was skating, worked hard on it and they credit that for him leading the CHL in scoring. He has at least one point in every game and is going back in draft next expected to go late 1st rd or early 2nd might be an option. Probably a couple years for him and maybe some of other draft picks too.
Mo thats what i hoped the 2 we got in the trade would provide a little of. Not goon hockey but just don’t mess with anybody attitude.
Has anyone noticed the Hawks are in last place for the whole league? Col obviously not the answer. Great job Stan! Once the attendance goes the way of the mid 90s maybe Stan will be out.
Top 5 team or top 3 pick is what we want. Everything else is garbage.
How embarrassing is it to have Perlini, an NHL body according to Bowman in the press box tonight against Montreal. Really? Wow JC, I guess we have better bottom six players? Not really! Fortin? Kunitz? Hayden? Kampf? Kahun? Sikura? Edjsell? Martinson? Kruger? Now Perlini is part of that taxi squad! Sad. Waiver pick up Sherbak scored for LA.
Go Nick Schmaltz!
Fire Bowman, JC, McDonut, Smith, Scotty, Kelley!
Prospects
Gravel stopped 38 of39 shots win 2nd star
Beaudin 2g 1a
Ryczek 1a
Ian
My boys today
Beaudin.. 2 gs , 1 a
Kaliyev .. 2 gs, 2a’s. No way this kid drops to teens… he is a sniper
Entwistle zilch… plays on same team as Kaliyev. .. 2 years older… Kaliyev is better! !!
Hull, are you familiar with the order in which teams get to pick from the waiver wire (I’m guessing you do)? Personally, It’s probably more beneficial if you point out players we pass up rather than players we didn’t have a chance to claim. It makes your argument sound better and more informed.
Ian and Wall, and everyone else that adds to information about our players in the minors and elsewhere, a big THANK YOU for sharing the information.
What ?? In the last 9 games 41 seconds with the lead!! WTF!
Another 2 goal lead given to Habs in first 7 1/2 mins? No shots on goal in the PP! And the lineup?? What a cluster phk!
System seems to be well in place!!
That’s what Phil was talking about. Whats amazing is how fast into the 1st period other teams are scoring. It cant be them no team is that good, not even the 2010 or 2013 Chicago Blackhawks dynasty teams.
Its us. I havnt watched tape and maybe other teams know this, so they are gambling in ways you donot/wouldn’t ever just because we have ahd this happen a couple/few times, now up to what seems like 10 games in a row.
Whatever. We want to win some games. But its prob our only chance to stay close to LA by having a terrible record during this difficult sch stretch were in from when it started to mid JAN. That’s the thing to remember, we got close to top 5 pick teams going 0-6-2 just to get close. It took another stretch, that were in now, just to get tied with LA.
Were going to win some games, so sustaining is another thing. The good thing, going for top 3 % to get Hughes, is LA and us are separating from the other bottom10 teams.
Not that were doing good, record wise/other things. The team that should be embarrassed is STL. They have a full roster and they suck.
They arnt getting beat in close games or beat good by top 3 teams like we did 4-2 to TB and NAS.
STL got smeared on the wall by ARI 6-1 and by VAN 6-1.
Now I’m able to watch a game and see for myself what many of you have witnessed … but for you “Hayden” naysayers- he’s the only guy to go to the net to try and screen Price! WTF is wrong with the other big guys?? And NO, I mean Zero, sense of urgency on the PP!! Does Seabrook need to sharpen his skates- looks like he is in cement??
Flashes of brilliance interrupted by long periods of confusion!!
The 2019 Blackhawks havnt scored two PP goals in same game.
We dint have a good 1st/other teams score goals in first 5-10 min., again.
We come back and tie 2-2, outplay them the whole game after that.
Deserved to win.
Doesn’t matter.
Having a top 3 % to get Hughes is what matters.