Well, this doesn't look good for you Stan.
I know its only two games into Jeremy Colliton's coaching career in the NHL but it doesn't look good.
After a loss to both Carolina and Philadelphia, the pitchforks are out and they are heading Stan's way.
Most of us agree that Joel Quenneville was the fall guy for this team that Stan Bowman has constructed.
Now, the eyes are set on the GM and the overall management and direction for this team.
Colliton's man-to-man defensive system needs time, as does the rest of his teachings.
If the Hawks continue in this slide (it can't get much worse, they are already on a 7-game losing strike) then maybe by Christmas they will have to start to "re-evaluate" and "sell off" this team's dead weight.
It won't be easy, however, as the Hawks don't have a lot to sell to be honest.
That's why Stan's only option to save his job (maybe) is to get creative. Does that mean looking to acquire a William Nylander for a Nick Schmaltz? At this point, I have no idea.
The easier first step is to listen to Colliton's real-life report on who can help from Rockford. This will mean making some bold decisions with the current roster.
What would I do you ask?
Well, I would call up Dylan Sikura, Victor Ejdsell and Gustav Forsling. Then wait for Connor Murphy to get healthy and see what you have in this roster. It will be messy but can it be any worse than what's on the ice these days?
If those moves are made, others have to go. I would suggest the following (when everyone is healthy):
Schmaltz-Toews-Saad
Debrincat-Anisimov-Kane
Sikura-Kampf-Ejdsell
Martinsen-Kruger-Kahun
Keith-Jokiharju
Forsling-Murphy
Gustafsson-Seabrook
Crawford
Ward
Ex: Hayden, Kunitz, Rutta
If it were me, I would try to dump Kunitz and Rutta, but I'm not sure if that will happen.
Johnson (whom I like), Fortin and Davidson can be shipped back to Rockford.
The Hawks bottom 6 as it stands today is not going to generate anything offensively. At least with Sikura and Ejdsell (who have chemistry in RFD), you have something on a 3rd line that has the potential to score. Both could also help on the PP, especially Ejdsell on the PP2 with his shot.
At this point, Stan needs to be on the lookout for ways to make this team better for the future. I'm concerned he knows how to do that.
Regardless, the Hawks take on Carolina (again) tonight and need a better start than last time.
What do you want to see happen?
See ya out there,
JL
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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