Coyote Ugly: Blackhawks Blasted By Arizona
After 40 minutes of hockey in the desert, the Blackhawks a) had a 27-17 shot advantage, and b) had scored a power play goal. So they were actually winning against a bad Coyotes team, right?
Nope.
Both teams put ten shots on net in the first period. Two went in for Arizoan – from Max Domi at 92 seconds and Clayton Keller at 9:22 – while the Blackhawks had nothing to show for their efforts. But the Blackhawks were able to kill a penalty in the first.
Chicago out-shot Arizona 17-7 in the second period. And when the Hawks got a power play early in the period, they actually took advantage.
20 goals for 20-year-old @Brinksy97!
DeBrincat is 8th #Blackhawks player to score 20+ goals in a season at 20 years old or younger. #Purr pic.twitter.com/Kud7ELhDbT
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 13, 2018
DeBrincat’s 20th cut the lead to 2-1 and, at least for a couple seconds, gave the Hawks a bit of hope. Jonathan Toews and Lance Bouma were credited with assists on the play.
Repeating: Lance Bouma was credited with an assist for a Blackhawks power play goal.
But the Hawks’ special teams unraveled in a second period full of stupidity and whistles. Alex Goligoski scored a short-handed goal and Tobias Rieder scored a power play goal and suddenly Arizona was up 4-1.
Coach Joel Quenneville pulled starter Anton Forsberg after the Goligoski goal; Forsberg’s line officially saw him allowing three goals against 13 shots in 27:06 before Jeff Glass came on in relief. Glass, not an improvement in any way, allowed the Rieder goal while facing only four shots in the final 13 minutes of the second period.
Officially, both teams were 1-3 on the power play at the end of the second period.
Unofficially, the Coyotes were the only team playing like they wanted to win a game.
Blackhawks booed off the ice. On the road. By their own fans. We're through the looking glass, people.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 13, 2018
The Blackhawks got a power play early in the third period but didn’t do anything with it. Meanwhile, Nick Cousins felt like a three-goal lead wasn’t quite big enough and scored his tenth of the season to extend Arizona’s lead to 5-1 at 7:11 into the third.
Meanwhile:
Having a ball. ? #AllAZ pic.twitter.com/nPHS2mXEGx
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 13, 2018
With 4:22 left in regulation, Christian Dvorak scored his ninth of the season to make the score 6-1 in favor of the Arizona Coyotes, who came into the game with 36 points in 55 games – dead last in the NHL.
And that’s where the score would end: 6-1.
This is, by far, the least watchable team since Toews and Kane were rookies, and they won’t make the playoffs for the first time since… they were rookies. Changes are going to come fast and furious at some point, and they’re clearly – desperately – needed.
This is getting painful to watch.
Coach Q needs his walking papers fast .He is killing any pride left ,..,let alone messing with the mind s of the kids . 82 needs Rockford as folks have been saying for a month .6 in the press box ,.,.again ,., Why ???.,Very very poor handling of this group . Raanta looked solid ,why we let him go again ? What a disaster!
@ Tab
But SB likes this team? He doesnt see alot of changes happening at the deadline remember? The Hawks got blown out by the Yotes, how absolutely pathetic! If this isn’t bottoming out in not sure what is.
Fun and thanks for the memories boys…will rejoin and watch opening game 2018
3 Cups all good!
See ya……
What struck me is how easy it is to be in front of the net against the Hawks-there is no intensity-edge to the defense against the other team–night in night out–
and when D-Cat got hit from behind and no one responded in a fu#@*-game where it didn’t matter if they got a penalty-
this team needs a transplant
oh and Seabs can’t play d anymore-sorry, he was really good and the heart and soul of this team at times in the past but he can’t do it anymore–and Oesterle is totally lost and has no confidence, but he will play over Kempny. Keith not far behind.
Both Hawks’ goalies highly consistent — consistently a joke. 3 goals against each. Q is not in charge of selecting and signing the goalies, Strike to Bowman.
The goalies had a supporting actor assisting them — Oesterle. He continues to help give away games, while Kempny languishes in street clothes, the only player on the team in double digits + – (+12). Strike to Q.
Debrincat may score 30 goals on a crap team. I ‘ll be generous and include Toews since he takes so many faceoffs, 5 forwards (those 2 and Kane Schmaltz & Hinostroza) worth anything this season, the rest you can rotate sitting in street clothes with Kempny. Strikes to both Bowman (for assembling the roster) and Q (for his erratic line combinations).
Good evening.
Can’t pass. Can’t shoot. Can’t win board battles. Can’t defend. Can’t outwork. Can’t goaltend. Did I miss anything?
They didn’t resemble an NHL team in any facet of the game. They were terrible across the board. Getting blown out by the worst team in the league is a statement.
It was nice to see DeBrincat get #20. That is all.
John(“Spins it down the dasher”) Widemann actually had the gall to ask Q in the pre-game interview, if Q sees Carl Dahlstrom as the next Nik Hjalmarsson.
Q then proceeded to rave about Hjalmarsson and rattle off his resume as if he had memorized it for an exam. He pretty much said Halmarsson is in the top 3 when it comes to defensive defensemen in the entire league. He then told Widemann to throw that comparison out, it’s only been one game.
I found it extremely amusing. Only to be outdone by Pat Foley trying to explain to fans on Saturday when the Hawks play Arizona and Vegas and getting the days wrong. He then paused and asked Konroyd what day it is. Konroyd replied, it’s Saturday, I think you think it’s still Friday.
Brutal !!!
Hawks (the veterans) appear to be playing for bringing significant changes to the organization.
High draft pick, management or coaching change. I vote and suspect the latter.
Seeing the same face for 10 years telling you what and how to to do it gets old, regardless of how good of the coach Q is.
Where is the breaking point I wonder?
It’s not fun being a Hawks fan at the moment. (“Suck it up” …the Hawks certainly are.) But, they’re doing the right thing >>> c’mon first pick!! And, as far as Bowman and Q go, they’re doing the right thing as well, in my opinion – they can’t come out and say they’re now playing for the pick, and Q has to appear to be trying to win every game. (And, this must be killing him…) The season was done a while back – maybe as far back as the Predators sweep. Try to accept it and focus on “Younger and Faster”. The only drawback might be any detrimental effect on the young guys – hopefully they can play thru this and use it as motivation for next season.
Also, I hope they decide to let Crawford take the rest of this year to recover/come back strong.
” WTF ” is #12 doing on the 4th. line to start the game ??????? Was #20 on the ice, can’t recall hearing his name ??????? What a complete & total ” FUBAR ” !!!!!!!
Bang on Iceman!
9-10 days ago, Kane and Schmaltz were on fire with Saad playing on their wing, Saad was snakebit but they were producing. Enter AA and Q decides to shove Saad off that line to have AA on left wing. Now he shoves the most dynamic playmaking centre off to the wing to satisfy AA at centre? How many goals does Kane have ever since? Coach Q is lost with his line combinations and his doghouse routine and choosig AHL players as his new pets. AA is a 3rd line centre, has always been both with the Rangers and Blue Jackets. Could you imagine Schmaltz, Panarin Kane???
Benching Hartman (1st round pick, 19 goals last season), Sharp, and Kempny in favour of Bouma, Wingels and Osterle? Crazy and thus losing respect in the room.
Both Q and Bowman are too blame. Bowman for thinking that Murphy is better than the HAMMER, for signing all those slow skating 4th line players / borderline AHL players and cast offs like Franson and Osterle. You put any of those players on waivers, and no one will take any of them. Let’s not talk about JF Berube, Glass and Forsberg.
Stick to logic and whatever talent you have left
20 19 12
91 8 88
39 15 10
13 64 47
2 5
56 7
6 63
call up : Hayden, POKKA, Iacopelli
Send down to AHL or waivers : 82, 17, 57
Dickie, benching Hartman for Bouma is not a rebuild. You are destroying a young player’s confidence who scored 19 goals last year. His treatment of SAAD in not right either. How many goals do Kane and Toews have the last 10 games? It happens! But SAAD got you 2 cups and his is still young. Panarin was great too but not there any more.
So, the best thing to do is stick it to your GM who fired your best friend and traded your favourite shut down dman by not playing those cast offs that he signed. Make him look bad. Don’t lose your veterans who gave you 3 cups.
Ranger are 2 points out of the wild card as of this moment. About a week ago their brass had enough balls to tell the fans about the “fire sale”. They know they don’t have it now and for the long-term, without changes.
Is the proud Blackhawks organization run by profit-oriented vultures or gutless snowflakes.
Eather alternative is not encouraging. The first lie to achieve their goal the second lie because they have no spine.
Laine for Toews to offset Loosing Hosa, Panarin, and Panick. I think that equates to a loss of 99 goals from last season. Trade Seabrook and Saad for some quality young defenseman use what the preds have done as a template. The backend needs to be rebuilt. See if we can get a centermam like Vermette to take face offs . I know none of this will happen because of no trade clauses but ohhwell….
Even the heat map got more bounces and breaks.
Wanted a 7 game streaking. Not in that direction. 9 games in a row against top 10 teams coming up when were on a losing stretch.
Embrace the suck and win again one of the coming yrs.
TAM is suppose to be one of two best teams they have 3rd worse team faceoffs.
Embrace the unexpected tank. The hawks suck that simple. They can fire coaches or gm and they would still suck. Nobody will change that.
Q and Stan deserve one more year. After that everything should be on the table.
It will be interesting if McDonough tells Stan to burn it down.
They mentioned on the broadcast Saturday that he is on thus trip.
Tomorrow Vegas will lay the wood to us.
So far on this trip it is 9-1. Add Vegas to this and we might get outscored 15-2. McD will not be able to turn a blind eye that utter embarrassment.
Trading Toews, Keith, Kane or Seabrook should never happen. They are not the problem. Holland in Detroit drafted well for over 20 years and the team was successful for a very long time. He always had a great farm system. Losing Datsuk hurt but they have prospects now. Bowman is not Holland or Tallon when it comes to rebuilding or drafting depth. And of course, we will not talk about his record with trades. So I worry if he acts again like he did after the Preds last year and blows this thing up and leaves it up to his poor amateur and pro scouting staff to start again. If Bowman is excited about a 5th round 22 year old pick in SIKURA being a difference maker, then we are in serious trouble.
Knox “Laine for Toews to offset Loosing Hosa, Panarin, and Panick….Trade Seabrook and Saad for some quality young defenseman…if we can get a centermam like Vermette to take face offs.” — If you were the GM in Winnipeg, honestly, would you make that trade? If you were the GM in 30 NHL cities NOT Chicago, would you trade for Seabrook’s ridiculous contract? The Hawks had Vermette, but Q kinda forked him over (- one of Q’s absolutely irritating “qualities” – blind loyalty OR unwavering disaffection once his mind is mind up (STUBBORN!)…and, fork him for that!!)…so, when AZ bought him out, he signed with the Ducks (- guessing a gun to his head wouldn’t have persuaded him) at a bargain price.
Max “benching Hartman for Bouma is not a rebuild” — playing-for-the-pick (inconspicuously). I expressed, “only drawback might be any detrimental effect on the young guys – hopefully they can play thru this and use it as motivation for next season” – but, “The BIG Picture”…do whatever is necessary to return them to being a genuine contender. There will be “growing pains”. “treatment of SAAD” – really??? He’s supposed to be performing at a level commensurate with his $6 mil. salary — he’s been playing “soft” to be kind, actually, forkin” INVISIBLE. Saad’s treatment of the team should be in question.
Bottom Line: GO HAWKS!! (…next year is the first day of the rest of your life – something like that?)
Wow, the wheels are off the bus. Now what? Time to take stock of the situation. We have one area of depth, small, fast wingers and plenty of contenders that could use them. Dcat, Hino, Kaner, Duclair. Kaner is off the market, of course, but everyone else on the roster should be in play.
Bman needs to equip Q with his type of guys. Right now we are a mishmash of small and fast, old and slow and tweeners that play one way hockey. Not a recipe for success with Q’s system. If you look at other teams even into other sports, the best of them find a successful system and players to execute that system and they run it down your throat. Somewhere along the line we got caught chasing the game rather than creating it. Look at the current roster, are any of the following the type of players we won with in the past? 91, 17, 13, 48, 82, 6, 5, 44, 67, 57, 12. Some nice players in there but by no means are these Q’s type of guys. So you either dump q or roll over the roster to find his type of guys. Stay at home, puck moving, defensively responsible blue liners. Solid two way, unselfish forwards.
I don’t see anything changing unless we either equip the system with the right talent or find a new system to suit our current talent.
Unfortunately Q has lost the team. He should be fired before he quits.
Perhaps this is Stanley`s plan, like Dr. Evil,.,.,.,play so freeking bad ,have Q set the line blender on warp speed and shabang some of our players opt out of a NTC,.,.,Nmt . The players become so disgruntled they say F-it i`m otta here .
For tonight’s game, I’m going to turn off the TV sound, and just have a loop of the Benny Hill music playing continuously.
I hate to say this but I told u so 2 months ago when this team struggled against coyotes buffalo vanc ! I mention dumping the veterans except Kane & craw. To free up 30 million We now have the perfect chance with trade dead line looming. Do it and next year you will see a younger faster and a team with future plus enjoyable to watch! Dump m and nobody would shed a tear !!!!!! Tonight should be a good old fashion beat done in Vegas to ice the cake
Sharp ntc so he and Hartman sits and Wingels and Bouma play to try to showcase. Kempny its funny they are not showcasing him. Got a good group of young forwards, right now no team spirit and it is hard to believe you can win when you don”t have a goalie playing nhl level. Defense is a mess but have a chance to address that in off season and get Crawford back.
Unfortunately Sikura who wanted to play under Q with Toews, Kane and rest of core now having second thoughts about signing under all the uncertainty around what this team may look like. May be hearing the demand for Bowman to go and wants little less turmoil. Hate to hear what a full rebuild would bring if a minor blip is handled like this.
DD gives some sage talk as usual-
I’m in the middle on the Q front-the hate is ridiculous but it could be time-some (and it’s only some or a few) coaching changes are necessary at the right time-this may soon be one–not sure if Q has the patience for what will unfold and not sure he hasn’t lost some of the room. at least compared to the past. It’s expected.
Teams don’t give superstars like Laine away for aging former superstars on big contracts-especially when their on a roll-
in the off season throw in Debrincat, a first rounder and a bad contract going back to the Hawks-at least now your dealing with the real world. Now if you could trade slow Seabrook, with filthy contract and fading fast Saad to free up that money you might be a genius and the other team would be looking for a new GM.
(is Saad hurt?, he is going out of his way to avoid contact and hasn’t hit any one with any authority that I can remember. Or is it the new Saad? Just skates a lot, not really producing, not involved)
and can say what you want about Bouma and Wingels-but they give a sh@* and it shows every night they play.
Bowman– gonna lose Sikura too… like KHayes- odds are better than 50/50 that Sikura opts to stay clear of this Shit show…
Unless- SB can dump some chumps- before TDL… and show he is serious about quick re-tool…
Ironically- SB comes out with statement- our “Core” will be here… little changes coming???
Who the fu*@ – would want to sign with Hawks right now??? after that SB statement (assuming- SB is telling truth)
Remember Nick Leddy – not going to win a Norris ever, but he sure would look nice back there now…doesn’t fit Q’s system so sent packing.
Happy with 57 and 17 playing hard in a way. Like the way 57 is checking people when the other team is coasting because their up 57 comes along and bam your on your ass for not playing just because your up score wise (where in half of these games we played well enough to win them)(not well enough or good enough to be where we want our team to be)(were better then that just not doing it/getting it done and it snowballes).
We make moves trade creative deadline/summer ufa for free (free is where you get a player without trading/using any assests) and draft moves and picks. But not based on 6 game losing stretch. We should make the moves based on when/stretchs and streaks we have done good in. That shows more of what we need then when we arnt playing good.
When it looks like were screwed after 6 loses in a row and now we play 9 games in a row against top 10 teams. We get a spark in Las Vegas (not the game) and were going to start winning games now.
Still want a top 10 pick. Bingo Bango top 3/5.
Good lord. Were bringing up the Nick Leddy trade? Apparently we’ve completely forgotten all the circumstances of past moves since the beginning of time. If we go back, you are probably the same ones that didn’t understand the circumstances around the moves then either. I just read a story on the Islanders questioning if Tavares and Barzal could overcome the Isles lack of defense.
Next year this team will probably be without Seabrook and Q…and Dineen. Saad may be the casualty for someone to take Seabrook.
Tank for Dahlin.
Just watched the USA Women’s hockey team pretty sure they would beat the Hawks. There was a Russian girl playing defense that Bowman should sign right now because boy did she clear the crease. All this said this season is done for the Hawks please play the kids. Bring up Hayden andplay him with Toews and DeBrincat. Send Glass to Rockford and bring up either Berube or Delia and give them a try can’t be any worse than what we have now. If you can trade Wingels, Bouma, Anisimov or others do it. Let Crawford get well no matter how long it takes. At this point you just have to look to the future. I’m afraid that Q may have lost this team. I’m very sad about how we look as a team last night was the worst even Coyote fans are giving us crap!!
Keith s/b the first to go. He has become a liability. He turns more pucks over in crucial areas than any other defenseman because of his ice time. No goals and a -11 on the season says it all. Move em before the rest of the league figures it out and then you’ll never be able to. Unfortunately the Hawks are stuck w/Seabrook. Ugh! No one will take that contract unless the Hawks p/u some of the burden. Lastly, Toews needs to get back to work and find his game. This issue hangs directly on the “Core” players they have built the team around. They all got their big salaries and are now not playing up to the levels thay are being paid for. Nevertheless I’m a fan for life.
There is no way you can entrust a rebuild with Bowman. And having a soft spot for Wingels and Bouma? Please, we do not need those players around just because they are playing hard and taking up 30 minutes a game chasing the puck around like two chickens with no head. No one cares about these guys and if you are Saad, Hartman, and Sharp watching them play, well, you lost those guys.
Does not really matter anyway because the lack of talent is the reason for this situation and that falls on Bowman and his 90 year old guru dad.
Coach Q is too stubborn and lacks patience with young players but having Duclair play right wing instead of left wing, Schmaltz left wing instead of centre, is all a sign of his lack of logic. I think he’s a great coach who has lost his ways and has not placed young players in a position to succeed.
I’m not advocating firing Q or Bowman, considering the totality of the circumstances and the big picture, the Hawks could do a lot worse on both ends.
This being said, we have to call them both out re: their blunders, and this season they’ve been plentiful. Q stated, in relevant portion, before the game that the lineups (i.e. who is scratched and who isn’t) are performance based; if that is true, then Kempny would have played every game this year. So that is utter hogwash.
As for Bowman, he needs to fall on the sword after the season (or maybe after the trade deadline) and admit his off-season trades and free agent signings didn’t work out — in fact they were generally a disaster. Most notably as to the backup goalie position. Everything starts with the goalie, you have a good goalie, you have a chance, even if all else isn’t clicking on all cylinders.
A good day to all.
Coyote Ugly- I could go for that blonde dancing on top the bar. Do we serve water here?
Theres going to be a good stretch in these last 25 games were the young guys play free and thing go our way. Still do it like the Cubs and get a good player on yrs we have shitty record. Make it count/payoff for later/big picture.
Sparky.
P.S. Overall, good posts by all contributors.
If only we still had T.T. ……….
Everyone knew the Hawks didn’t have cap space to keep both Nick Leddy and Oduya going into the 2014-15 season. We won our 3rd recent Cup over Tampa that year in large part to the role Oduya played as one of basically only 4 defensemen we played that whole playoff run, and he played with a severely damaged elbow. The guy was a warrior and the decision to trade Leddy instead of Oduya basically enabled us to win that Cup, because at that point Leddy was not capable of playing the kind of defense Oduya did in winning those 16 games for that Cup win.
The thing that was stupid was the Leddy trade went down on OCTOBER 4, 2014, right at the start of the season. How many teams have cap room by then to take on a first pair defenseman? Basically, you are lucky if you find one. That is why we didn’t get S$#! back in that trade and lost the guy pretty much for nothing. Bowman waited waaay to long to move him and got nothing of value back for a very fast, talented young defenseman.
That was a real missed opportunity that could have extended our now closed window, that one pissed me off. Same kind of thing happened with trading Sharp, waited too long, no one had cap room left, and we had to fork over Johns to get Dallas to take Sharp’s salary.
Forget about the goalie fiasco of this season (not one team in the league is worse in net behind their starter), any of these things is reason enough to jettison your General Manager. Stan needs to be kicked up stairs like Pulford was so we can keep our connection to Scotty Bowman, the oracle. Get someone else to handle GM duties.
Dear Stan,
Admitting there is a problem is the first step to recovery. Surely after the last week you have found numerous reasons to reevaluate your fondness for the current team. As GM, I am counting on you to act in a responsible manner going forward.
I’m willing to put the failures of the past 15 months aside and allow a clean slate moving forward. The current team is basically unrecognizable given its resume and recent accomplishments.
While I admit to have been witness to years of the darkest of days for this franchise, I am in no way willing to revisit them, given my advanced age and also being fortunate enough to see the recent golden age as well.
I am sincerely grateful that the organization enjoyed great success while under your watch and extend my thanks for providing fans like myself lasting memories.
It should be noted, my first and foremost concern as a fan is that my team play as if they are desperate to never lose. Ever. Not in November and not in April.
Professional athletes are a unique lot. Your job must be difficult. If I could offer one piece of advice it would be to reach out to current GM of the Indiana Pacers to share insights you both might have. He has done a great job of finding and fielding a team of guys who play hard and play together. And he did so rather quickly.
Best of luck to you. I look forward to next season. Thank you for your service and commitments to the Sweater.
LGH!
“…can say what you want about Bouma and Wingels-but they give a sh@* and it shows every night they play.” (Noonan96) — Yes, absolutely. They (along with Hayden, early) were doing what a 4th line is supposed to do nearly every game.
Trade deadline prediction.
The Hawks have traded Dean Mccammond to the Flyers for a 3rd round pick. (Remember that underwhelming deadline deal ?)
Stan explains that he’s not just going to give players away.
Rarely do I take in the Q post games pressers, but I was curious to hear him yesterday. He made it a point to talk about “almost” plays. Seabroke, almost cleared that rebound, Toews almost cleared the zone, Dunks almost put a shot on goal. He then went on to explain that guys who are giving max effort will be rewarded with more playing time. So expect to see more Wingels, and Bouma from here on out.
I agree with the previous comment about trusting SB with a rebuild. I’m just not confident in him doing it. Some of these cracks are due to age but SB walked into a great situation and after 10 years of success has this team bottoming out. Stan has made a number of missteps and this team was good enough to overcome them. They no longer are now.
A new vision (GM) and voice(Coach) is needed. I’d be interested in the Hawks bringing Dean Lombardi into the GM chair. I believe he is related to Wrtiz family (a cousin I think). I am not sure what other GM’s are available but I think its time to start looking down that road.
@ HEREISMIKE
The Scotty connection is over, Scotty like most his age is in Tampa enjoying the nice weather. I had posted a few weeks back article stating this. As I was an agreement with you. Scotty is not consulted any longer despite earning a paycheck from the Hawks. As a matter of fact, he spends his time now in the press box watching the Lightning. Check out the below link of him with his credentials. He does look great for 84 good for him!
http://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/stu-cowan-scotty-bowman-enjoying-life-in-florida-sunshine-at-age-84
I think we all need to recognize the situation here. The Hawks are stuck between a retool & a rebuild. They brought in a handful of veterans (Wingels, Sharp, Bouma, Franson) to serve as stopgaps until the kids (DeBrincat, Kampf, Hayden, Dahlstrom) showed they were ready. The veterans haven’t done as much as the kids, and the NHL product is suffering because of it. And no, I’m not blaming Wingels or Bouma for the record this year. But guys nobody else wants on NHL contracts means there’s a full NHL roster and nowhere to put kids who should be getting a look.
The Blackhawks are clearly younger than they were last year, which bodes well for the future. And there’s good talent coming. But it’s hard to sit back & wait for Jokiharju or Mitchell or Gilbert to help the blue line, or Sikura to come be the fix-all up front.
Stan should get anything he can for the loose pieces who are over the age of 27 and get kids up to the NHL to get a long look at them ASAP. I’m talking about Highmore specifically, and open up space for college kids who sign when their seasons end (Sikura & Gilbert, specifically).
I agree Tab and I’ve said before, the future of this team will be determined by how good and how high their young players can ascend. And we won’t know about them until they play.
The problem comes in if we find they aren’t good enough. If Sikura is a light scoring smurf, if none of our D prospects are true top 2 or top 4 guys, if Schmaltz can’t become a number one center, they we are in real trouble.
And the pipeline of prospects needs to keep being developed. This draft is supposed to be a good one, and we are sorely in need of more picks. Or trade for young guys like Duclair that we can develop. But both paths are going to take some time.
The hope coming into this season was that our vets would hold the fort down while we see how the kids develop. Unfortunately the kids are the ones holding the fort down because the vets can’t (Kaner and Crow excluded), and it’s really ugly.
And what if Sikura opts not to sign, as has been mentioned already? That would be a drag, though couldn’t blame the kid given how his draft team currently sucks donkey cock. Agree with Tab about the retool-rebuild squeeze. It’s not easy or pretty, but where is the leadership? Who steps forward and explains in understandable terms what the fuck is exactly going on here?
Has Q thrown this season to spite Stan for firing Kitchen or trading Hammer? Maybe so, maybe not. In the immortal words of Paul Simon:
What’s the plan Stan? Your answers so far have been piffle and bullshit.
Thanks for the link Southside. I read that last time you posted, good article.
Even though Scotty doesn’t have so much input anymore (from what I recall it was Scotty that insisted on firing Savard as coach and bringing an experienced coach in), I think if they ever had to tap a guy for an opinion you could do a lot worse than a guy that has won what? 13 Cups or so? Good guy to have around..
The biggest mistake a GM can make is to tinker around the edges or stand pat when your team is not competitive. The time to start the rebuild is now while the Hawks have some valuable assets. All players but Kane, Schmaltz and DeBrincat should be on the table. Unfortunately it appears Stan thinks the Hawks are only a player or two away from being competitive. Q has made some questionable lineup decisions of late. However, he can only play the hand he has been dealt by the GM. Much to his credit Q has given many youngsters a chance this year. He stuck with DeBrincat when some on this blog wanted him sent to Rockford. Ryandale said it best”admitting there is a problem is the first step to recovery.” Stan is delusional. Send him packing now and get a GM who will rebuild and get Q the players to be competitive again. To wait on the rebuild could prolong the mediocrity.
Clearly the core players are not trying to win. Teams dont just go from being 1st in the west to this crap starting last March on accident. You can see our young guys are better than Toews, Saad, Seabs, Keith and most of the time Kane.
So the question about this lack of effort is “Why?” The answer to that will tell the way to go. Possibilities I see:
1. The organization asked a few core players to do this to get a high pick. POSSIBLE, but not likely.
2. The players are pissed at Q, Scooter or ownership. (Remember this whole streak of shitty hockey started basically the day after the announcement that the NHL confirmed no olympics. Back last last season. This could even be a temper tantrum aimed at Wirtz.)
If it’s 1, I hope it works.
If it’s 2, then the highly lauded leadership of this team has no character and it’s time to burn it down.
IMHO it appears that the locker room is divided.
The younger players are upset with the perceived double standard – they sit when they make a mistake but the “core” guys get a pass for their mistakes…
The few games I’ve bothered to watch lately sure looks like the “core” has phoned it in & look very disinterested & can’t wait for golf season…
Attending a “Fat Tuesday” party tonight so won’t see game. I will record it though because I enjoy watching hockey played with real effort and determination.
I’m talking about the Vegas Golden Knights! You know who they are; the cast-offs and unwanted guys who play as hard as they are able, for each other and for their team.
Who among the Hawks consistently show he does, in fact, “Commit to the Indian?”
If I were Q & Stan, I’d put Hayden on a flight to Vegas and put him back with Bouma & Wingles tonite. Toews and Seabrook (the so-called “primary leadership” among the players) would be in the press box. The Bouma Wingles Hayden line would start and would alternate with Hinostroza, Schmaltz and Kampf – – for the first 10 minutes of the period!! After that, put in any line combos you want.
Maybe Toews and Seabrook will be able to see how few of the “top line” players show anywhere close to the intensity, determination, drive, effort, hustle and commitment of the guys who played the first 10 minutes. Maybe then Toews and Seabrook will actually demonstrate their leadership we keep hearing so much about and kick some ass among the rest of the damn team.
I would rather have players of moderate ability who consistently give their absolute best, than players of far higher ability who just play for a paycheck. Many of you will disagree, saying that type of group can’t be successful. My response is look at the results Vegas is getting!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!!
McDonough made the trip, huh?
I found a clip of his pep talk.
https://youtu.be/Pdi_kASSsJs
Thanks for the laugh Espo.
Bowman and Q are not communicating.
Joey Z-you may have something in the middle opinion-the hockey world oh’s and ahs when 7 watched one game, yet it’s a turnstile for the younger players
and to Hawks1961 comment-I was thinking about that a few days ago-you know you’re in trouble when your ‘no touch’ list is about three players and really is there a young defensemen who you would say is a for sure thing. There is a lot of maybe for the Hawks
Is Hayden on that list? supposedly he can’t make the line-up–they need some re-stocking of the shelf.
If Bowman feels the need to trade Saad and get full value in return, Saad will need to play top six minutes. The same goes for Hartman, if he is to be traded or dangled in March he needs to play top 6 or top 9 minutes. Sharp might get a look from a team only if he is on the ice for Chicago. Now, at this stage of the game, I am with some of you who do not understand the ice time given to Bouma and Wingels. They should be in the AHL helping young players there. We can safely predict if they were put on waivers tomorrow, they would attract no interest what so ever. Therefore, why are they even dressed? I think Bowman and Q need to finally realize they have both made mistakes and need a real plan for the remainder of the season. Problem remains is Bowman the right person? I like the Dean Lombardi suggestion or Doug Wilson.
Kane, Toews, Keith, Crawford, Sharp and Saad deserve better players around them and a plan for the near future.
Go Hawks
Eddie Shore?
They brought their fucking toys with em.
Q is a proud, smart man, i wonder how he manages to keep his composure when he watches how his career in Chicago is being torched by SB , three titles Hof coach. He should take a que from Mike Babcock and get off the sinking ship, go to a young team with potential and Be in the exclusive company of people who win cups with more than one team . How long will it be till the Hawks are contenders again.
ps scotty bowman with canadiens and wings right?
I will leave the conspiracy theories to others and look at the reality of the situation. We have re-tooled twice successfully but both times we were dealing with a younger, deeper core with guys like Hammer, Sharp, Hossa and Oduya. Assuming we are seeing the start of a decline with Toews (surprising) and Keith (age is catching up) then we have a massive mountain to climb. Success has been due to an amazing, deep core coupled with some key lower draft picks that worked out very well (Buff, Hammer, Krueger, Shaw, Saad). In my opinion turning this around will require signing (or trading for) a couple of proven veterans and having 4-5 of the young guys be able to step-up like a Saad or Shaw. We also absolutely need the return of Crow at a high level with an experienced, competent back-up. The odds in Vegas are likely against us but I think the window stays open for at least a couple more years. A top 5 pick this year won’t hurt either.
My take is that SB will stay for at least another year. With Q the question is whether he can motivate the core after all that they have been through – it’s a tough call. I have to say all the line juggling this year has a desperate feel to me thinking that one more tweak will change everything. For those throwing out Dean Lombardi’s name, no thanks. I am in LA and trust me, the Kings are dealing with similar issues as the Hawks. Also, aside from being a great Hawks alum, I don’t think Doug Wilson has won anything. Regarding the signing of Sikura, I hope we can sign him but history shows it is not likely to make a difference. I don’t know why he wouldn’t sign here, in the past it was a concern over making the roster which isn’t an impediment any more. If he looks at K. Hayes and J. Vesey I don’t things turned out great for those guys. Hayes could have had a chance at the Cup with us in 2015 and Vesey could have been a key guy on a powerhouse Predator team, instead they are under-performing with a team that is going to blow itself up. The next couple of months aren’t going to be much fun but like others have said I hope we start playing the young guys big minutes and stop this silliness that we are going to win 10 in a row with a couple of goalies that appear to have completely lost their confidence.
All my years of publicity and fashion shows…
….Scouts?
MS- that’s good assement of what we need. I also think there isint any team now or that we need to be as good as the teams we had to win because the salary cap. Those CHI teams and LA and 13 BOS teams wont be matched again roster wise. So you shouldn’t have to have as good as we did to win. Not any more top teams like 2008-2015. More good teams then before thow.
We need to get good and deep enough though to win and we have the cap space now to do what you said. We have the space to add and keep young guys other top teams will be cutting players/not be as deep as they are now TB/TOR. It should balance scales by the time our young guys are better.
Agree MS, waited for 45 years for somebody to find a way to win a cup and these guys came along, now 3 cups later. I think they get the benefit of the doubt that they know what’s happening here and earned my trust for another year at least. The retool is well afoot and will continue with the most flexibility in the off season Bowman has had in years, there is no urgency here in the front office or coaching staff. They seem to be accomplishing what they want, albeit some unforseen setbacks as well that may work to more an advantage in long run if a blue chipper falls in their lap.
Getting Crawford healthy back to form and signing Sikura and Gilbert as Tab is first. Quite sure once deadline passes the youngsters who have a chance to help next year will get their opportunity then. Actually not being here right now and this bad streak playing on their confidence could be a good thing.
I think some well intentioned and devoted fans on this blog need to pull their heads out of the sand.
The problem with the Hawks isn’t going to be solved with one or two trades or free agent signings.
The Hawks have zero top tier defenceman and only one top tier forward (Kane), Worse yet, both Kane and Crawford are now past their prime and will start to decline (just like Toews, Keith and Seabrook).
The Hawks have some good young players developing but without some miracles this team is toast.
The best we can hope for now is some luck with the draft over the next 5 years and that we can steal some good prospects when we auction off Toews, Kane and Keith.
I don’t believe I am being pessimistic. Just realistic.
There is one big positive this year that gives reason to believe and hasn’t been mentioned. The possession game that had disappeared last year is back and as maturity and chemistry grow so will offensive production.
I watched Sikura in Beanpot last night. Great passer – like right on the tape and eyes in back of his head. Awfully light in the seat though (like TT) and I didn’t see him as a great skater (limited sample admittedly). I sure hope we sign him but I think he’s getting oversold a bit here. Hopefully it pans out with him. (He’s playing wing for now, not centre).
BLS2-it’s a bit glass half empty but it’s a realistic scenerio. There seems to be little thought to our goalie situation and this is huge. Good bless Glass and Forsberg but it’s getting a bit ugly.
Realistically they are a few years away (if they do it right and have some luck) and this will not be Toews, Kane’s or Crow’s team-the more I think about it a re-haul is a better word than re-tool.
Crow coming back and them getting on a 4/5 winning streak only hurts the process.
And watching the frustration on Kane’s face is painful-he’s so gifted it will be wasted.
Maybe Toews and Seabs have seen too many miles. Many players of their style often are in their defensive prime at their age. Either way the season is done; if they are injured, tired, whatever…just put them in the press box or cut thier minutes drastically. Let the rookies play. Put the workload and the pressure on them. Seabs/Toews/ Keith have been there done that…..I’m of hope they can rebound, but there is absolutely no point to them playing for anything other than the exercise for the rest of the season.
I can only hope that some of the Hawks draft choices that are defensemen pan out in the near future. We are in definite trouble in goal as I don’t see any prospects in the future. Why is Hayden still playing in Rockford. I see once again that Q is using that great line of Wingels, Bouma and DeBrincat what a waste of the rookies talent. I’ve always tried stay positive about the Hawks but right now it’s really hard. Bowman really has his work cut out right now. He needs to convince Sikura to sign with the team make some good draft choices and make whatever trades he can.
Ian- Also the PK is back. We need to stay right at the cap roster wise (except for banking space) and have enough-plenty of spots for young guys to play.
If your going to wait 5 yrs and try to lucky with draft then you might as well trade Kane and the entire team.
Morrison I always admire your positive comments. I think with the right moves we ca be better next season but we do have problems with the defense and in goal. We need to play the youngsters as much as possible. There is no reason for Hayden to be playing in Rockford if your playing Wingels and Bouma he was very good when paired with them.
Morrison. Bingo!
That guy Berube in Rockford must be awful if he can’t get a chance over Glass and Forsberg. After what happened against Nashvill last year, i think we all knew this was coming. I didn’t think it would happen so quick though.
Jordyhawk i watched some of that game last night and about Sikura 2 things impressed me were on a couple of plays he showed very good hand eye co-ordination and seemed to show alot of maturity in how responsible he looked during his shifts, always seemed to be in the right spot and played both ends.