Short-Handed Blackhawks Embarrassed On, Off The Ice
Let’s briefly lay out the situation when the puck dropped on the Hawks-Blues at the United Center:
- Dylan Strome was at the morning skate but isn’t clear from concussion protocol. Didn’t dress.
- Drake Cagguila is still MIA.
- Duncan Keith’s groin isn’t 100 percent yet so he wasn’t in the lineup.
- Robin Lehner was sick, so the Blackhawks had to call up Kevin Lankinen to serve as the backup goaltender.
- Ian McCoshen was sent to Rockford to make room for Lankinen.
- Andrew Shaw has a mysterious ailment that kept him out of the lineup on Monday night as well.
- The Hawks were out of cap space, so they couldn’t call up an 18th skater.
So, for those keeping track at home, the Blackhawks had 11 forwards and six defensemen in the lineup. No Keith. No Shaw. No Strome.
Oh, and they were without assistant coach Marc Crawford, whose past conduct is being investigated by the Blackhawks. That nugget dropped about 45 minutes before the puck dropped.
But Chicago had their slick black alternate sweaters on, so we had that going for us… which is nice.
Have we mentioned that the Blues have the best record in the Western Conference in spite of their injury issues?
What a way to celebrate Jonathan Toews’ 900th career regular season game.
When Mackenzie MacEachern scored his fourth of the year 2:34 into the first period the climb felt all too familiar. After losing two games to Colorado by a combined score of 13-5 over the weekend, an early goal against was deflating.
Jaden Schwartz added a power play goal at 14:22 into the first to give St. Louis a 2-0 lead that, given how the Hawks have been playing over the past nine days, felt insurmountable.
Both teams put 10 shots on net in the first.
After 40 minutes of hockey the Blackhawks had a 21-19 shot advantage but were still chasing two. Chicago killed a Toews penalty in the second period.
The Hawks kept skating but there were no results. Brayden Schenn put home his 14th of the season 8:56 into the third.
St. Louis leads the Western Conference for good reason. They took care of the puck and Chicago simply couldn’t get anything going. Colliton tried to mix his lines with only 11 available forwards but none of the combinations stuck for very long or saw much success.
With just under three minutes remaining in regulation the Hawks had a great opportunity with Brandon Saad on the doorstep but a couple pucks didn’t get through and one hit the post. Saad was on the ice with Kirby Dach and David Kampf at the time.
Moments later Tyler Bozak took an awful Olli Maatta turnover and buried it. In fact, that might be one of Maatta’s better assists of the season. And it the score was 4-0 in favor of the Blues.
That would be the final score. Patrick Kane’s point streak ended at 15 games. And the Blackhawks have allowed 17 goals in their last nine periods of play. Rightfully, the boos were loud when the final horn sounded.
Kane skated 24:20 and put six shots on net to lead the Hawks.
Toews won 10 of 22 at the dot in 20:56 and put three shots on net.
Even with only 11 forwards, Anton Wedin skated only 9:32. He was credited with three hits in his 13 shifts.
Erik Gustafsson led Chicago with five hits but put zero shots on net in a blue line-leading 22:59 on the ice.
I’m done trying to understand or defend Bowman or Colliton. We are in a spiral and the bottom is still not in sight. It’s embarrassing and puzzling, because there is some talent on this team but they are severely outplayed most games. Bring on the drastic changes, Rocky. We need them.
First St.Louis goal said it all. Okay puck bounced off the boards funny, but St. Louis skated in after the puck, good ole #7 just gliding in, no effort……DONE!!!
Wish I could just phone it in at work and get paid millions.
Sad roster. Bowman is responsible for this.
This is what separates NHL from AHL, Kampf. Misses an open net. And Nylander, I think I lost count on how many board battles he lost. Is that your and Mark Kelly’s excellence in scouting, Stan? Don’t have the horses to compete. Lack of talent. Thank god you brought Wedin in, Stan.
And this was a Blues team without Tarasenko.
The players are listless — for the most part — i e don’t give a rat’s behind bc they don’t respect the coach. If he was a good coach and not respected, that’s one thing (that isn’t the norm, but it happens); but when the coach sucks and he isn’t respected by the players, good night Irene.
How was it Queneville lost five games in a row (w a far worse roster) and was summarily discharged? What is the hierarchy doing? It’s a dire situation business wise for the owners. Less people at the games has a trickle down effect. Not good.
How much money does Roenick make a year broadcasting and the like? Just double it, he enjoys gambling, he’ll take the job. Get him or chelios behind the bench, people would at least be interested. No solid coach worth his salt or w any self respect will take the coaching job otherwise.
Thanks again Bowman. Where is Bowman lately???
There is no hope for the season it’s done. The team is short on talent. I don’t trust Bowman to clean up this mess especially since he created it. This coach can’t seem to get the right system implemented with the roster he has. They both have to go. Tab says there’s a wave of good players coming. Most won’t likely pan out. I don’t trust the scouts either because they’ve done a shitty job for a decade. At least we’ll get a high draft pick this year. As Q would say this is hard to watch.
Shots agasint were a problem, even when we went 6-1-1. Now we got smoked score wise, by goals 5-16 in these 3 games.
We did well in shot for against
103 to 82
34.5 to 27
I had thought it was that just didn’t care. Now I am starting to wonder if it’s just that they are that untalented.
We have no vibe no identity.
Need a good system and reset.
The difference in coaching was stark between these two teams tonight
STL consistently was able to outnumber the Hawks at both ends of the ice
Offensively the Hawks were always 1 vs 3 or 2 vs 3 or 3 vs 4 etc. and on the Defensive end it was the opposite the Blues would out number the Hawks consistently 2 on 1s, 3 on 2s, Shenn’s goal was a 4 on 3
And if the two teams were even in numbers and the puck was up for grabs STL won the vast majority of those pucks either by being more physical or simply by out hustling the Hawks (not hard to do)
Don’t tell me this CHI roster wouldn’t be winning more games with Berube in charge instead of Colliton
CHI is poorly coached and nothing is going to change that until the coach is changed
I had been floating the idea of Marc Crawford taking over on an interim basis but that can’t happen now (Crawford has probably coached his last NHL game) so I don’t know who they get to take over but if it doesn’t happen fast we might as well start scouting the 2020 draft eligible players and hoping for another top 5 pick
What can you say that hasn’t already been said a thousand times. With Boston licking their chops to tear into this Hawks team the future isn’t very inviting. I have lost all faith in this teams management with this bullshit.
To much money spent on to few players …equals …lack of a competent supporting cast .
Poor drafting and development equals …a poor supporting cast .
Poor coaching ,and management equals …our given situation .
We haven’t hit the bottom yet ..but it`s coming .
They’ll probably start Lankinen in the Boston game because it’s a back to back with New Jersey You know given Collitons brilliant coaching strategy. Final score Boston 8 Hawks 1. This will destroy the goalies confidence for the next 2 years because he does look like a promising prospect.
It was there for all to see tonight.A disinterested non competitive group except maybe Saad and Kamph.Dont know what to say guys that had not been said.I just have never seen anything like this.In Hockey there has always been the mantra of Be a Hard Team to play against.Soft.Soft.Soft is this teams mantra.They dont care no matter how much they get outworked and embarrassed. Blues fans rightly took over the United Center.Thank God we dont have to here about 88,s point streak anymore.
Re Tim About 88’s streak Now Pat and Eddie will have more time for shout outs and lame ass jokes
I wonder what is the likelihood of Marc Crawford ever appearing behind the Blackhawks bench again? Would it even make a difference?
to many forwards playing there off wing. cant take a pass in the defensive zone and on the fly threw the neutral zone. when a player is fighting for the puck on the boards and one player is on his off wing and the competitor is not , the off wing player loses the battle for the puck more often. its a strength issue, forehand verses back hand .simple math says, if you lose puck battles you likely lose the game. anyone who has played hockey at or near a high level knows this as fact. excluding outliers , of course.
Crawford is done as a coach nobody wanted him but our organization We take all the deadbeats both on and off the ice into the fold
God help us if Dach gets a point.We will never hear the end of that Hoss.Great analysis Wrap.My view exactly of the stark contrast in systems and coaching.Berube coaches shift to shift.Colliton?Well I really dont know.
By the end of next season numbers 2-5 on Blackhawks most games played list will likely be Seabrook, Keith, Kane and Toews. Quite an accomplishment, only the great Stan Mikita played more games in a Blackhawk uniform. Something special for sure.
The attempt have a revamped roster make a playoff run is missing the mark. This season appears headed for an early end again. Probably result in new coach and Gm, whether during or after season remains to be seen.
Wishlist for new regime, pursue Bolts hard for Sergachev who they may very likely shop. Put him and Boqvist together and hope they can be comparable pairing that Keith and Seabrook were. If in position to, draft goalie Askarov for future there, even be a good move down in draft possiblity if that option is there. Called best goalie since Price to come along, now belongs to Khl team and not missing a beat playing against men for their vhl team as a 17 going on 18 year old, and still impressing the scouts. Likely ready to take over starters job by fall of 21 it sounds like. Crawford with capable mate can handle one more year. Sorry Mo but they have created a tradeable commodity in Lehner cash in now and avoid a big long term deal there. Keep Dach on schedule and upgrade forwards when it makes sense. Keep a few of the veteran defense and let the developing youngsters push them out the door as needed.
Tab mentioned that Wedin only skated about 9:30. I was surprised during the game that he wasn’t out there that much. He had some decent energy and was in the middle of a chance or two. I was thinking during the game that I wished he was getting more shift time.
The story I read on Marc Crawford was that he allegedly kicked douchebag Sean Avery in the ass on the LA bench back in 2006, after getting pissed that Avery took a bad penalty and the other team scored on the PP. And the report I read said that Avery described feeling somewhat amused by it at the time. If that’s all there is to the thing, is the guy really gonna get banned from hockey? Have things gone that far?
OK, sorry. Just read another, more complete report that alleges other stuff that was abusive coming from players other than Avery. Disregard my Crawford statements above. Thing needs to be vetted out and dealt with accordingly. Sorry.
Our goaltending is simply coming back down to earth. Even during the win streak we gave up too many quality and overall chances, we all knew this was coming. Stan you are on the clock, your team is rudderless, your pp sucks, your team defense is atrocious and your coach can’t seem to find anything that works. Tick, tock
Lazy team and spent Core… Sitting seabrook for few games not doing nothing.. sit him again and again until he demands a trade…lol
Time to watch CaddyShack… Later boys….lol
?
Great point above re Foley and olczyk. Zero objective analysis or commentary. Olczyk is one thing, but Foley used to tell it straight. He was a great announcer and he was honest on the air. Does he think the fans are dense (like Bowman)?
Give us a break. Same w the radio announcer. Murray is as close to honest as they have bw the four of them. Terrible.
Now you wanna bash the announcers ? If you really think that`s a great point you may want to reinvent your hobbies .
Iam, yea maybe theres no way to have Lehner come back as ufa in summer, after we trade him at deadline for a very good return. Then your idea of the high end goalie pick seems needed, if were not keeping one of these two top 5-10 goalies we have now. If theres nothing we can do about that, then have a plan (like yours).
Just want to make sure we have a good goalie in a few yrs. I d hate to get young wave stacked and then not have a good goalie.
Be funny to see DET tank the whole yr and not get the top pick.
It’s a reflection of the organization and where they are at. It’s a well placed comment.
Assuming, arguendo, your remark is accurate, you’re in the same boat with me. Let’s select a hobby we mutually enjoy.
Give me a break man, good evening.
Woodworks.
I cant watch anymore.
Pat Foley is more qualified to coach this team than J.C ever thought of being .
I just hope Bowman can get Brouwer and Frolik back into the fold ….
It is the 10 yr reunion, right?
Coming this yr.
When was the last time a hawk player TIPPED in a goal from in front of opponents net as a goalie screen? How many more times are Hawks gunna ALLOW an opponent to PARK in Blue Paint area within 18” of our goalies face? No team game plan when they dump it in from one side that another hawk player s streaking in from other side to get that puck..Everyone just doing whatever they want.. no team structured plays..
When was the last time a hawk player TIPPED in a goal from in front of opponents net as a goalie screen? How many more times are Hawks gunna ALLOW an opponent to PARK in Blue Paint area within 18” of our goalies face? No team game plan when they dump it in from one side and another hawk player is streaking in from other side to get that puck..Everyone just doing whatever they want.. no team structured plays..
Yeah Mo , lets sign a few more has beens…Stan’s great at that . .
Can we get Wingles and Lance Bouma back …bout identical to Bowmans recent signings of Smith and Carpenter ..Broken record of bad signings and bad contracts .
We are handcuffed .
Excerpt from BARSTOOL SPORTS by Chief.
“At the top, the Blackhawks are good enough even with 19 and 12 not really producing. It’s all throughout the lineup where the Avalanche killed the Hawks. You can’t help but think that things would be better with Jokiharju and Kahun instead of Nylander and Maatta. With Duncan Keith out the Blackhawks were left with approximately ZERO defensemen who can both skate and defend. Nylander continues to be a dog in the effort department and a prized pig who glides around in the top 6 waiting for Saad and Toews to hand feed him points. Even with that seemingly perment unearned top 6 role Nylander has 10 points. It feels like he gets demoted every game and then when the puck drops it’s as if the coaching staff has forgetten because he’s right back with Toews and Saad again. Meanwhile you’ve got the “savvy” defensen Olli Maatta somehow being out at the blueline defending on the puck as Colorado scored yet another goal. Kahun has 15 points playing in a lesser role for Pittsburgh. Jokiharju has played all 27 games for Buffalo. He’s driving possession even and contributing to a team that is in a better place in the standings than the Hawks. Speaking of better places in the standings than the Hawks…”
Observations from tonight’s game
Taking 2 beatings at the hand of the Avs and not showing up for the Blues was inexcusable. JC does not have the ear of this team. They have tuned him out and given up. Toews was a no show.
Never noticed it in previous games before but Crow never came to the bench during TV time outs tonight. Is that normal or a sign the Crow did not want to deal with the bench or coaches.
Nylander’s hockey nick-name should be buttercup. He never loses a board battle because he is a conscientious objector and never participates. Ship him to Rockford. No Uber either, make him drive.
Saad was the only Hawk that showed up tonight. Crow get an honorable mention.
At the end of the game you could hear a sarcastic ”lets go Blues” chant. There were not enough Blues fans at the game for it to be that loud.
The Blues did not even play hard tonight. The Hawks out hit the Blues 30 to 27. Even the Blues knew that the Hawks were not playing to win.
This game reminded of the saying “Bring out your dead” from Monty Python. I should have gone to the casino with the ticket money.
For the record, the Blues were 9-13-3 on this day last year. So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Don,t really buy into the Barstool Sports analysis.They picked out a couple of guys that got shipped out that really are of no consequence to the big picture. Then watched a couple of games over the weekend to appear up on things and relevant as far as Hawks conversation.Kahun was given his opportunity and played hard but Collition and Bowman knew that he was not going to be in the top 6 and wanted a cheaper alternative.The Joki thing was complex and had to do with a large riff with the coaching staff at Rockford and being sent down.Dont think we will ever get the whole story since Q is gone.As far as being Good Enough without 19 and 12 producing???What team are they watching.Your #1 Center and 2nd line goal scoring forward not producing will land you at home in front of the T.V for the playoffs.As far as their celebrating Keith,s ability to skate and defend, Kahun,s 15 points,and Joki playing in all 27 games for Buffalo,Well i will let that speak for itself as far as relevant analysis.
Bring on the Bruins. Another backup goalie for us. How good can we make him look? Does New Jersey actually have a backup? Maybe they can get Schneider for one last laugh.
Anyone got a stat on how many backup goalies we faced so far this year, and our record against them compared to starting goalies? There seems to be stats for everything else! Come on, it would make for a good laugh anyway.
The board could use a bit of a happy moment. Like the rest of the happy moments this year, it would be fleeting…
When an owner throws out real hockey people like Dudley, Tallon and Coach Q, you are left a bad accountant who got his dad to help him get a job. No clue what he is doing and for those on this blog who laughed at my Bowman bashing, I am happy to read those who are confirming the GM’s lack of hockey knowledge and ability. JOKE and so is the JC.
J C last game as coach of Blackhawk too? Broobank out as well?
Hull65, I completely agree with you! I have pointed out numerous mistakes that Stan has made throughout his tenure, and I get shouted down by his entourage telling me that Stan is a Notre Dame grad, is super super smart, and he was responsible for the ’13 and ’15 Cups. Let’s go there. The main reason that we were able to win was because of Marian Hossa, who was signed by Tallon, and in his absence Captain “Morgan” Toews and Patty “Taxi” Kane have not been able to lead us back to the playoffs. I think Rocky cannot sit back and let this team flounder without any hope. The only solution that Rocky has at his disposal now is to FIRE both Stan and Collition, and McDonuts after the season; McD must also get tossed, no free pass because he wanted those NMC and crazy contracts given to Seabrook, Keith, Toews, and Kane (who was the only one who deserved his contract). We need to make Barry Smith the coach for the rest of the year, because that death stare is enough to scare a team straight. I would also can that Derek King in Rockford. Then, trade anyone you can who is not named DeBrincat, Strome, Dach, Lehner, and Kane.
Hawk One -to add about goalie’s coming back down to earth. They tried to elevate this team game after game– but when you are doing all the work, eventually you say enough of this bullshit. If the other 5 guys can’t/won’t play hard, why should I?
“ONE GOAL”!
I’d be happy to see that right about now!
Hawks2015, not what I meant. Need a sarcastic font.
Tim, yea we got Kubalik who is equal or better maybe then Kahun, so Maatta or Kubalik which ever way people look at it was for free.
Like that guy said, we have a seasoned established coach and we have way better record then this. Thing is this might be good so it makes us do what we really need to do for the big picture.
Carpenter is good, those other players sure.
So let’s look back at 2 off seasons ago……………….
Hawks had to be thinking about letting Q go. Since they did that early in the seaosn.
Why did not fire during the off season, so they could at least interview other coaches.
Boo birds were loud and clear last night and rightfully so. It’s only going to get worse until Rocky makes a move to stop the bleeding. Hull65 you’re correct this team needs an total overhaul and quick.
Let’s get with the program here. The team is grossly mismanaged and poorly led. How much more has to happen before Stan is shown the door? How much?
I’m all for firing that idiot. But who mid December who takes the job? I had thought it was Crawford…. but that ins’t going to happen
Any ideas who it could actually be that would be willing to take on this dumpster fire?
Thank you Tommy Ivan.You are a breath of fresh air.Friends and other Hawk fans have been shouting me down for at least 5 years regarding my realistic assessment of Bowman and McDonaugh.I religiously keep up with Tsn,Hockey night Canada and other Nhl sources of information and opinions.Trust me the Chicago Blackhawks organization is viewed as arrogant and far behind times as far as systems and player evaluations.There are a lot of General Managers and Owners having a good laugh right now.
Walked into UC last night expecting the Blues to have their way with the Hawks and this is sadly what went down. It was a strange Hawks-Blues game. Almost zero physical play. Blues knew they didn’t have to expend that capital to beat this Hawks team. They sat back and filled passing lanes, cleared loose pucks away from Allen, and were giving Hawks a minimum of quality chances. What was clear with Strome and Shaw out of lineup is Hawks players on this roster were not willing to go to the net and screen Allen who had clean looks most of the game. Blues didn’t even bring their often used withering forecheck. They didn’t have to! This game was NEVER close. There was nothing to cheer about for Hawks fans. Another home game crappola showing for this fading team, who played a tentative, and mostly uninspired 60 minutes. Unacceptable for this team plays so poorly on home ice! The team the Hawks are putting on the ice is not a playoff contender. Can we imagine what the record would be were it not for heroic goaltending the first few months of this season? I daresay league worst. Floaters should go to press box. Nylander heads my list. Just going through the motions. Apart from Kane what happened to goal scorers on this team. I praised Toews recently for playing a strong 2 way game. That guy needs to start scoring some goals. This has gone beyond a slow start. It starts at the top.
Hawks have some players hurt, but so do Avs, Blues and they still kicked Hawks asses all over the ice. These past 3 games have not been competitive in the least. Bruins will likely feast and fatten stats Thursday.
I want experienced hockey people to run this team. Rocky, your team is floundering. Sorry for lingering on the bitch box, but these last 3 games have been brutal stinkers.
“looks like we’re in for nasty weather”
Let’s Go Hawks!
Need to know what way the wind is blowing, before this shit storm.
Nothing against anybody. Reset now, Wirtz.
The time to sack Stan was after the 2017-18 season and before the ensuing draft. That would have provided time to find a strong replacement who could have used the two first rounders to launch the rebuild. Whether the new guy stuck with Q would have been up to him.
In failing to do that Rocky has set the org another two years behind. You don’t wait for the walls to come down before calling the fire department.
Notice that the NBC Chicago Broadcasters and Blackhawk Beat reporters are in full protect the Captain mode.No one dares to point out or question him about lack of production. Yet they Chronicle and keep track of Debrincat,a lack of goal scoring on a nightly basis.When is the last time our great Captain Serious has even achieved an assist or goal that did not involve 88?
Just for the curious Hawk fans-Toews=27 games played-4 Goals. 10 Assists. Plus Minus= -5. Compare that to any other #1 Center in the League.
I agree fully with you Tim. This starts at the top, both on and off the ice.
Tim, there are not many of us who live in reality. I know it’s hard for people to see their favorite player, idol, uniform get traded. But, ownership and leadership should stop trying to fool people that this group is even a playoff team, let alone a contender. We should have pulled out all the stops to sign Artemi Panarin, and Stan didn’t even make an effort. Just for trading away a superstar like Panarin should have gotten Stanley fired, but the hiring of Colliton, in reality a Euro coach with a chip on his shoulder compounds Stan’s mistakes. Why Colliton didn’t nurture Joki, instead he trashed him and Fortin to Rockford, instead of letting them grow here. Both played well for Q, but Colliton didn’t like them. Both will prove Colliton wrong. Moreover, the unnecessarily long and expensive contracts to Keith, Seabrook, Toews, Kane, and Crawford will haunt this team for another 5 years, another 5 wasted years unless a hockey person is brought in and is able to:
a.) Hire a competent and respected HC – you can tell by the player’s effort that not many on that bench respect Colliton.
b.) Trade away Toews, Seabrook, Crawford, and Keith. Even if we have to eat salary, we have to get rid of the clique!
c.) Trade some younger assets to give our top prospects in Rockford a legit opportunity. (Gustafson, Smith)
d.) Build around Kane, Shaw, Saad, Kubalik, DeBrincat, Strome, and Dach up front and Murphy, DeHaan, Maata, Boqvist, Holm, and Gilbert in the back.
e.) Sign Robin Lehner to a longer deal, and make him captain!
We need some radical changes, and it starts with Mr. Cub McDonough, Stan, and Collie.
Dead Coach Walking – I can’t fathom what we are waiting for after another lifeless performance maybe a loss to the Devils on Friday? Interesting to see Earl’s comments that boo birds were loud and clear. Watching the game I really didn’t hear any boo’s until the end of the game and it sounded like the fans were surprisingly supportive given the half-hearted effort. I did get a good laugh from Olczyk and Foley giggling like little kids in the third period over some stupid schtick while the Hawks were getting crushed. They are a full fledged wing of the marketing department.
MS, I didn’t hear cascading boos last night on the level of what was going on earlier this year. I also was surprised that the crowd reaction was not more negative. Maybe there was some collective shock at what we had all witnessed. Garbage Hawks PP did get some boos, and a few rightfully came out when they were doing that ridiculous cycling exercise at the top of the Blues zone before turning the puck back over to the Blues. I forget which period it was.
The Pat and Eddie show has been progressively wearing thin in recent years. If I never hear another “shout out” person plug from those guys it won’t be soon enough. I still think John and Troy do a terrific job on the radio.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Tommy Ivan, i am all for anything that is a step in the right direction. Even if some unlikely way was found to make the moves you suggest, from reading the posts here and on social media, do you think tearing it down and suffering through no playoffs and hoping for lottery picks for the next few years will really make the fans happy. Whats the chances of Kane staying being happy and productive in a rebuild while the rest of old core is shipped out. As i said before complete youth rebuilds don’t have very good track record in Nhl on a first attempt fix, it usually takes few tries to get it right.
Hi Ian! Great question. I don’t think we would need a full re-build. I think we have the makings of a solid new core of young vets, energy from the youngsters, a great GK in Lehner, and Patrick Kane. I am hopeful that with the trades that we make that we would be able to bring a couple of players who could contribute right away, and some high picks. Plus, we have our own high picks. Also, I think a lot of our woes stem from trying to appease the Old Core, and they just can’t produce like they has in the past. I think for all the good that Toews does, he kills us on the PP, and it will take an act of God to get him off PP and the #1 line. So, I say trade him! The same with Duncan Keith. at least Seabrook has been demoted enough that he knows he is a secondary role player, making $6+M/year, so he has to go too. I want to see the energy of Fortin, Hagel, Entwhistle, Kurshev, and Wedin. No more Sikura’s!
Who would take on this dumpster fire. Wasn’t it rumored that it would have Crawford?
Why would any of them wave their no trade clause?
I would be thrilled with this signing Lehner But I don’t see him staying.
You guys on the forum have a better grasp of the prospects than I do- but for those signed ( or any unsigned?) what would be the motivation be to join this Hawks team today?
Would you be hoping to get traded away (anywhere!) where there might be a “reasonably stable” and capable Head Coach ( who doesn’t abuse players?!) , a “level headed”, capable GM who knows how to BUILD a good team! A “dynamic” Captain whose capable of leading for the foreseeable future?!
If I was a prospect- looking for a SUCCESSFUL NHL career- would Chicago Blackhawks be on the radar??
Fan for life- but this is an UGLY period for the team, and the fans!!
I was at the game last night. The crowd was just as dead as the team. However at the end of the game the sarcastic chant “lets go Blues” broke out and it was louder than the blues fans that were there could generate. That was much worse than any booing.
I hope Captain fist bump got the message.
How you doing Tommy pretty much agree with your thoughts. Toews struggles defending down low in his own zone now when other team has puck. Like to see him have role of winger there with Kane on other side where they release together and see how he responds, if that gets him going his whole game still has level he is no where near right now. Let Dach as he matures move into the middle there and faceoff concerns are moot with 19 on his wing.
Have concerns about getting locked long term with Lehner, Lamoriello is very astute hockey man and even after a vezina trophy season last year he chose to sign Varlamov and let him walk. Much prefer Askarov in the draft who is called the real deal and best since Price. No reason Crawford and capable lower caphit mate can’t give top notch goaltending next year to bridge the gap. Moving out some cap like Smith and maybe Shaw and not having a Lehner contract could also allow persuing a top 6 ufa forward like, Hoffman, Tiffoli, Haula etc. My feeling is Hall ends up in similar spot as Stone and doesn’t get to be ufa
On defense like to see them pursue Sergachev as Bolts have Hedman and McDonough locked up long term on left side with none of 3 playing rightside. With their cap issues likely available. Pair him and Boqvist together and let them develop into the top pairing. Have 2 and 5 plus 44 and 7 set the bar as other pairs, until young guys win their spot. Obviously Mitchell first one expected to do that over Seabrook, then find a way to make the turnover when it happens. There is a path, time will tell what it is.
Another concern with this clown show now is that Mitchell might not sign with us after his season in Denver thus Chicago losing his rights. Bowman`s arrogance cost us Kevin Hayes. His mis management again now could possibly / indirectly cost us Mitchell. Might not happen but I`m very interested to see how this plays out. The only guy that might help this kid sign with us now is Rocky Wirtz himself ( get on your plane now Rocky and get down to Denver and pull out all the stops ). Bowman and his cronies are lowering your odds every day for keeping another solid asset.
Once we get out of Crawford’s contract this year, that is $6M in savings, and if we can trade Keith and Seabrook to contenders and eat half of their money, that means that we save another $6M. If we are fortunate to trade Toews and eat some of his deal, we could hopefully add another $6M to our cap space. So, that is about $18M under the cap, and then we sign Lehner for a 3 year deal. None of this 5+ years! We sign Mitchell and some high end FA. Plus, we will have a high #1 and some decent players in Rockford. Bam, we’re in the playoffs before you know it.
I keep reading comments/ tweets about when trading part of the core will get x
Give me a single reason (in reality) that any of them would even remotely consider waving their no trade clause? Especially ones whose jersey’s could be hanging in the rafters some day.
The decline of the team will continue until Stan Bowman is fired and replaced.
Hawk 4 Life,I am always happy to assist fellow Hawk Fans.I sometimes am hesitant because it is an ugly picture.If you are looking for a current review of all the Prospects at Rockford go to todays Hockey Buzz Site click on the Big Indian Head and an associate of Tyler Cameron,s has broken the whole team down for us as to what they project to and when.Prepare yourself.It is downright depressing.
Fan02, think your right there, the only one i see waiving their nmc is Seabrook if he is reduced to a press box role and stands to leave alot of money on the table by refusing and maybe forcing a buyout to clear the roster spot and rideout caphit they get stuck with. Thought maybe do the trade him let another team do buyout for caphit. But think now if he resigns there is a clawback for him if he signs wuth someone else. A Hossa type scenario is another possibility but won’t happen right away and a process involved.
Thanks Tim! Will do
Tommy Ivan,I like it.I have been bringing out those moves for a while now.This is not difficult and with hardworking ,smart,and ambitious true Hockey management and scouting people it can be achieved and even be some fun to watch as it is happening.As much as i hate to do it,I give the Blues Organization and G.M Doug Armstrong a lot of credit and respect.That management team was able to turn the archaic philosophy of that team around in a couple of years.The Blues of old would always engage in a World War 3 type of game every night and run out of gas for the playoffs.Now,they wisely pick and choose their battles and have stopped the stupid plays and penalties.Last night was a blueprint of how to play a soft team that does not go to the front of the net.Hockey Fans like to watch teams like that play.
Is it that people don’t realize that ALL of people they want to trade have NTC?
Nothing should happen until Bowman is fired. His time to build this team into a contender has past. I don’t have any faith he can turn this ship around. Let the new GM come in with his coach and evaluate what we have both at the nhl and Ahl levels before all these trades are made. IMO Mark Hunter would be a good pick for GM. He has nhl experience and the London knights are always a top team in the ohl. He apparently has a good eye for evaluating young talent
Bobby agree and have said Hunter be a good choice for next Gm since a year or 2.
Tim we discussed here before if you were part of it or not, Keith caphit is one of the recapture contracts, so that if he goes anywhere and retires the caphit comes back on the Blackhawks, so trading him could accomplish nothing. Keeping in tow and ensuring he still plays probably more in their best interests. Thats why i believed the players when they said they weren’t approached before, when was saying they were. Don’t believe anyway 19 and 88 is moved unless they request it themselves.
I get that Ian.I was always more of a proponent of moving Keith down to a 5-6 D-pairing and giving him the appropriate minutes.Although I could see him waiving for a move close to his Western Canada Home.Maybe even the Leafs for a Cup run.Seabrook is the one that I think would be agreeable to a trade to a western Canada Team.Edmonton would be real high on the list although I think he would go for Vancouver also.The good news is Crawford,s Contract coming off the books.The decisions after that will be difficult but surly will be made by a different Management Team.Have a gut feeling that Ian Mitchell is not coming here.I know its not popular with some of the guys but I would not give Lehner that Big Contract.There is too much work to be done here and I think it is being proven out that the level he was playing at is not sustainable with this group.We need to stock bigger and stronger quality forwards with an edge and nose for the puck and contact.
For those who wanted to draft Bowen Byram instead of Kirby Dach. It looks as if the Hawks may have shot at Jamie Drysdale in the upcoming draft. He’s in that 6 to 10 range at this point with the first five guys in the draft, likely being forwards.
All joking aside.
The only way to rebuild this thing is to draft well and develop :
2015 : Strome (via the Schmaltz pick in 2014)
2016 : deBrincat
2017 : Mitchell.
2018 : Boqvist and Beaudin
2019 : Dach.
That’s a half-dozen pieces + a 2020 blue chipper. It would be nice if there were a few surprises such as Vlasic and Kurachev. But it’s a long process.
2020 : Blue Chip top-10 pick.
Recent quote re Ian Mitchell:
As a junior, Mitchell has one more year of eligibility in the NCAA. He could also forgo his senior season and turn pro with Chicago at the conclusion of this season. Those questions, however, are not exactly at the forefront of his mind at the moment. His focus remains on captaining DU to success this year.
“I just want to focus on this year and then see what happens,” added Mitchell. “The Blackhawks have been great to me and it’s definitely my plan to sign with them. But just focus on right now at this time.”
Let’s get serious about this guy. First, to the best of my knowledge he has given no indication that he will not sign with us (despite what is being posted here). Second, he’s not that good. I’m not saying he doesn’t have potential, but he was drafted the same year as Joki who is miles ahead of him. I have seen him play on a number of occasions and he does not stand out especially.
If this occurs, pretty sure we won’t make the playoffs, and I’m back on the fire Bowman bandwagon and agreeing with HULL65. Not alot of good matchups in the games ahead… Looks like its time to start looking at prospects again instead of at the current team…. However not much faith in that either since Bowman will probably trade them away anyawy,”Panarin, Schmaltz, Danault, Teravainen”. I can’t list any defenseman we traded away since we haven’t drafted any…
Boston: Loss
Devils: Win
Coyotes: Win
Knights: Loss
Coyotes: Loss
Blues: Loss
Wild: Win
Avs: Loss
Jets: Loss
Avs: Loss
Devils: Win
Islanders: Loss
Blue Jackets: Win
Flames: Loss
Crai? you trying to fire up Hull lol, suggesting to use top 10 pick on a smaller version of Boqvist. Agree need good drafts not trade but develop them, mixed with good trades and fa signings too. Çan’t do it on just on on draft alone.
Watching the Leafs and Flyers tonight-good game until Philly embarrassed Toronto the last 10 minutes. (6-1 final)
One off the (type of) players I think the Hawks lack is Travis Konecny. Love his game competes every game. Saad with hands and only 22. Might not make Hull’s team as he is under 6 feet.
I’d be down with Mark Hunter as GM and I don’t think he’s working as a GM anywhere in any league at the moment so he could be available
Seemed like he did good job with Leafs when he was there
Tazer is my boy. Not making excuses or anything. I know he hasnt been as good as he should be, but I wouldnt compare 1st line centers to other in league, unless going bey dudes 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40. Not that it has to be 5 yr incriment just that of some range on this.
i expect Tazer to be the best center in his age range though. And I acknowledge there could be a guy who gets really hot and has more points for sections of season.
Also who among 1st centers are playing checking line head to head. Not that Tazer is now every game, but did for how many yrs. How many yrs did these other 1st center do that, and take a toll / pay the price to be Cup champion, let alone dynasty caption champion.
Not disagreeing, just saying. Tazer is my buddy.
MS / Phil, I would say most of the people just feel the same way we do. They have as much invested (and I do not mean money) in the Blackhawks as we do. Its our way of life. Coming from a dynasty, maybe the only one in these first 5 yrs of salary cap era, 13 yrs in now.
People know whats going on and whats needed and feel the same way. Only William Wallace would get to the finals with this situation and our people know it.
So no need to get, ‘general public’, on it.
At some point Wirtz has to think say WTF I cant take this amymore, like everyone of us. Be a President and slam that hammer down on the desk.
Do it. Do it.
Freedom!
That is the reason a new management team has to be brought in Morrison.No loyalties or attachments to the past.Honest upfront evaluation of on ice play.You are either having productive shifts and closing the deal or you are not.Centering the top lines are demanding jobs.Ask yourself this question,when we are so short of quality Centers,why is 19 never double shifted? It is not easy letting go of the past but 19 has been shown his appreciation for the Cups.He plays on both special teams units and at home is matched up against offensive lines that are going to leave him some room.The team needs a lot more from him.
The hawks cant have kane with dcat and strome. The basically have one scoring line. It might be time to drop Toews to the 3rd line if he is not going to score.
Something has to change as we need two top six people:
1. Kane/Dach/
2. Dcat/Strome/
3. Saad/Toews/Kubs
4. Carpenter/Kampf/Shaw
Wedin
DEF
DeHaan/Boqvist
Murphy/Mitchell
Keith/Seabrok
Gilbert
i was hoping nylander would pan out but it simply is not the case. Dylan Sikura is better The Hawks just lack two top 6 forwards. I am hoping for a Taylor Hall trade, i know, wishful thinking, but he would give us that scoring option we are missing. When Saad and Kubs are 2nd/3rd in scoring and Dach has scored more than Toews who is tied with Nylander and Kampf things are not rosy. Dach is tied with Strome and Dcat. Management was swung and missed or traded away the top youth to add two top six forwards. Plus with DeHaan and Maata have been the two best DEF with Murphy coming in 3rd and Seabs 4th. Gus and Keith have been awful to watch for what we need from them. What do you think it would take to get Taylor Hall this year? 2 1sts plus two players (gus/smith) for salary cap reasons or a player like Beaudin a first and a second plus two players for salary cap reasons.
What would Taylor Hall do for Chicago?
He is not doing much for New Jersey….Hard pass
Can’t afford to pay his salary… 2 firsts… gimme a break!
Tim, not saying your wrong. I know and think we need to reset. I, think, we can do it keeping 19 88. If we did trade 19 or 8 that would take very big balls.
Taylor Hall wants to play on a cup contender which the hawks are not even close. I have a feeling nothing gets done until the end of the yr (hope I am wrong). If they fire JC who in the organization replaces him , Brookbank , the Swedish coach or King in the minors. This shows how disfunctional this organization is. Can’t even fire a bad coach because there is no one in the organization to replace him. What good coach (from the outside) is going to want to come in half way through the season into this mess.
And I didnt mean what I was saying that 19 has done good or enough or close to enough. Just saying it in the way to fairly compare to other 1st centers.
Tazer is way better then this and I do not believe a word of that Florida shit, his new standard.
I really do not know how far off the tracks that this mess of a team has to go before something is done.If done correctly you dismiss the Team President first.The President fires Bowman and hires his G.M. who believe me will have his own Coach and entire staff ready to roll.The problem here is, Rocky Wirtz is too loyal and close to Mc Donaugh.He wont fire him .It would have to be a mutual thing or a move to Marketing Director,which McDonaugh,s ego wont allow.And McDonaugh does not know the world of the NHL well enough to hire a G.M and you would not want him anywhere near that decision.So the organization is going to have a difficult time moving on.Wish there was a clearer path but its where they are at.
Esasy…Fire GM, Coach and President.
Why Taylor Hall? Because we have a gap at 1W which could help Toews and Saad and keep DCat and Strome with Kane. It would give us three scoring lines with Dach, Kubs and Shaw as the 3rd. Kampf, Carpenter and Nylander. We need to top line forward or we wait for next year to hopefully get another top 3 draft pick. I beleive we are one player away.
Let’s not forget Hjallmarsson, Kempny, Leddy, Van Riemsdyk, Oesterle, Daley, and Dahlstrom…all doing well when healthy(Hjallm..) and making significant contributions to their teams. The Leddy and Kempny trades are the most baffling.
How many reasons do you need Rocky?
To Donald Smith…you are absolutely right, we are close. But, not with this coach leading the way and playing unnecessary mind games. Plus, I don’t trust Stan to bring in the right player. Tuevo, Danault, and Panarin would have sufficed…just imagine if we still had those three and Leddy, Kempny, and Hjallmarsson? It’s like Harry and Lloyd are running this team! They keep trading the wrong player.
I believe in being a fair weather fan. For me it applies not just to sports teams, but to cars, actors, restaurants, etc. Why would anyone continue to support any of these or any other item you put your money and emotions into when they don’t perform? Are you going to continue to buy cars from x, y, or z, because your dad did or because you’re an “x” guy even when you’re getting a lemon? Of course not.
When it comes to sports, I will not change allegiances to other teams because they’re winning, but I will not continue to emotionally invest or pay top dollar to go see them. And let’s face it, it is top dollar to see professional teams these days.
Which brings me to the Chicago Blackhawks. We had been spoiled most of the last 10 years. Three championships in 6 years is remarkable. They earned my emotional and monetary support during this time. We may never see the likes of it again.
However, after being eliminated in first round series or not making it to the playoffs over the last few years, and this year not looking like being close to a playoff team, I have to check out from this team. Sure, I’ll watch them on TV, but will be quick to change the channel when it goes sideways.
Over the last several games they have looked like a team that doesn’t care. Guys either standing around or running around without purpose. I don’t know as much about the finer points of the game, but I can see a lack of heart/effort. I can see haphazard play. That’s what I see in the Hawks.
Whether you see this as a coaching issue or a player issue, the buck stops at the same place – the GM. If the GM is not changed, then the buck stops at the president of hockey operations. If there is not a change there, then the buck stops with Rocky Wirtz himself.
Rocky is only accountable to the fans who buy his product. Right now his product (entertainment ultimately) is subpar and there are many other options out there. So, he will be getting less of my dollars and I hope less of other’s as well so that change will be imperative.
I’ll echo what Bobby9 said well-Hall isn’t (ISN’T) coming to Chicago. He was in a poor spot/poor timing in Edmonton, went to second poor spot/poor timing in NJ so this talented smart man will go to a third mess in Chicago just because some fans would like that?
Gotta believe management change coming, perhaps after this Crawford mess over? The new GM needs to make the key decisions and some coming up. Keeping Bowman would make no sense, and be an insult to the fans.
Donald…Tommy… Our Blackhawks are a lot more than one player away.
First of all the hawks have no cap space to even be able to think of picking up Taylor Hall.
Secondly who would New Jersey want that we could trade?
Are the hawks willing to mortgage the future by giving up first round picks to get Hall? Remember Hall is unrestricted and can sign with any team at the end of the season. Do you guys really think Hall would resign with Chicago? I don’t!
The hawks just played Colorado in the first game Colorado was missing Rantanen and Landenskog and we got bombed.
Then we played St Louis and they were missing Tarasenko and we got smoked.
Obviously if we could just add Hall or any front line players and give up nothing to get them it would help us. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.
Chicago now is a middle of the pack team at best. Look at the last three years!
The hawks will probably hold onto their aging core until they have no trade value and then the hawks will look like the Deadwings.
Rebuild now or rebuild later it has to happen.
Rilo – well put. It truly is Rocky’s issue. I often wondered if he gave away such generous contracts, in part, to show just how different he was from the old man who screwed so many. Regardless, the mess is his now and the quickest way to force a fix is to stop shoveling dollars into his pocket.
Not having a hockey guy to hire a new GM is a definite problem
I guess you could make someone like MacIver interim GM and Barry Smith interim coach and then get a new GM and coach after the season ends but still who’s going to do the hiring of a new GM – maybe you do start with a new President of Hockey Ops
Change is coming though one way or another
Nice to see that some bloggers here have some sense about how bad Blowman and JC are. They need to go now and they can take McDonut with them, never liked him anyway. Hell they can take Nagy too!! Find a veteran coach (none of this new coach, look for a diamond in the rough crap). This is still mostly a veteran team that needs a veteran coach they can respect. JC lost this team a while ago.
I have never seen as many posts on this site. you can tell the people that are writing these lines are passionate about their hockey team and are dying about the way management has destroyed the Hawks. it’s as if the damage was intentional. I read Crains chicago business and the Wirtz corp was analyzed. the vetting and qualifications of the top executives leaves no stone unturned finding the best people. That is what is so baffiling about how Rocky went about getting Mcdonut to come over from the Cubs. donut had no background in hockey, didn’t know the heart and soul of the greatest sport of all, and then hired an accountant to direct the team . are these people so arrogant they think anyone can do this job? it has taken years for most gms and hcs to get where they are and here we have top management with no hockey in their veins. it is going to take years for this team to get well.
We do a reload rebuild, cap space wont be a problem for any player.
MS, like rewarding guys for being good after his dad other were cheap bastards and he probally told himself If I ever was in charge of the Blackhawks I wouldnt do that.
Wirtz needs to make this happen. Then players like Hall other would come here, lehner would resign as ufa, even after being traded at deadline to help stack the young wave with picks.
Stack the young wave.
Lets go Wirtz!
I think we ll have lots of cap space after the deadline.
Mo if you wsnt cap space, Maatta, 4.08 m, Smith 3.25m, Shaw 3.9m, and a modest 2.5m again in cap raise theres almost 14m in cap without needing any waiving clauses or talking about how much you can trim off the 11m goalie hit. It can be available if he wants to move some out.