Just a few more things that bother me abouth the Hawks

- As stated by many, please take Keith off of the PP

- Why is Bolland taking PP faceoffs? I see him in for the draw and know instantly that the puck is going to be cleared down the ice

- Every year the topic comes to how great the opposing goalie is...could it be the hawks help make the goalie look all world? Perimeter play, no net presence, no deflections and no rebound chances make it way to easy.
- waitforawhistle

That to me is the biggest problem with this team for the last 3 seasons.

I see it differently, Shaw has been putting in a solid effort and has been playing well. He is also demonstrably the most passionate Blackhawk which is starting to become a negative and which the coaching staff need to address. Saad started slowly but has played better each game.

The issue is the trap employed by the Red Wings which is frustrating everyone associated with the Hawks from the players, coaching staff management to us the fans. The Hawks have no answer to the trap and to make it worse the Wings are hitting, are using picks and are goading the Hawks into getting into after the whistle skirmishes which feeds right into the Wings hands.

What is frustrating as a Hawk fan is why did Management not understand that this team as currently built would have a difficult time in the playoffs because they are unable to play the dump and chase game required for playoff success?
- paulr

??? he has 18 penalty minutes. His agiitating hasnt just been ineffective-its been COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. same as last year. Q loves him, justifiably, but he has to be held accountable. I would be surprised if he sat-but a talkin to for sure!!!

??? he has 18 penalty minutes. His agiitating hasnt just been ineffective-its been COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. same as last year. Q loves him, justifiably, but he has to be held accountable. I would be surprised if he sat-but a talkin to for sure!!!
- miked23

Despite Stalberg's lack of offensive product the 3rd line has been the most consistent throughout the playoffs and Shaw's been a major contributor. There's no doubt that Shaw needs to play a bit smarter, but he's filled the 3C role rather well (better than Bolland this year).

The Wings are like flies on a elephant's bum. They are persistently checking (grabbing and holding) every Indian head sweater they see. They are hard on the puck, have great sticks, and play a team game. Also, they know how to protect their own net. I give them credit, they played like crap Game 1 and have completely changed their game...and its working efficiently.

It's Q's move now.
- Chicago

It's the players move: what's Q going to do at this point - meaningless tweaking of lines?

It's up to the players, and mostly up to the name-players: Toews must convert his opportunities and win more FOs, Hossa must be more noticeable, Kane must be more engaged and willing to back check, Sharp must find the open spots on the net more (not Howard's winged wheel), Bolland and Kruger must start getting closer to 50% on FOs.

Seabrook must be more engaged and not be deked out of his skates, Keith must get some shots thru to the net on the PP (and someone needs to be at the net when he does), Crawford must make the saves he must make.

It's mostly on the ice now, time has past for Q to make that much of a difference.

Saad needs to come off the top line, we can't have 2 forwards on the top unit sporting goose eggs. I think it's also time to reunite Toews and Kane.

Frolik - Toews - Kane
Saad - Sharp - Hossa
Bickell - Shaw - Stalberg
Carcillo - Kruger - Handzus
- DarthKane

Yes, Toews needs Kane, immediately. In my view, Handzus does not provide any spark to any line, I can do without him. Just like Detroit did with Bertuzzi out for Miller, their fourth line is now worlds better. Put in a young guy willing to go hard to the net. Smith is my candidate.

Their third line is dominating on offense and defense.

I would actually switch up the defense pairings a little too.

Losing faceoffs to a team like Detroit hurts too. They have pretty good puck control.

I see it differently, Shaw has been putting in a solid effort and has been playing well. He is also demonstrably the most passionate Blackhawk which is starting to become a negative and which the coaching staff need to address. Saad started slowly but has played better each game.

The issue is the trap employed by the Red Wings which is frustrating everyone associated with the Hawks from the players, coaching staff management to us the fans. The Hawks have no answer to the trap and to make it worse the Wings are hitting, are using picks and are goading the Hawks into getting into after the whistle skirmishes which feeds right into the Wings hands.

What is frustrating as a Hawk fan is why did Management not understand that this team as currently built would have a difficult time in the playoffs because they are unable to play the dump and chase game required for playoff success?
- paulr

Tell me something, if this vaunted trap you speak of is so effective, how is it that Sharp, Saad amd Stalberg found a way to go right in alone on Howard only to be stopped and Kane found a way to get behind the defence to score? That isn't an airtight trap as I know it.

Best way to beat the trap - get ahead 1-0 or 2-0 in a game and it doesn't work so good anymore.

And does a defence corps of Kronwall. Ericsson, Quincey, Smith, Coliacchivo and Kindle sound like such a stellar group that it should be shutting down Hossa, Sharp, Kane, Toews every game? Fight thru it boys, you are earning alot of money to find a way.

Talentwise, the Hawks are the better team. They are losing this battle behind the bench. Babcock sees something that isn't working, he makes the necessary changes. Quenneville sees something that isn't working . . . He keeps doing it more hoping if he does it long enough, it will start working eventually (Keith on PP, Bolland centering 2nd line, adding guys to lineup only to play 5 minutes total, etc.)

Talentwise, the Hawks are the better team. They are losing this battle behind the bench. Babcock sees something that isn't working, he makes the necessary changes. Quenneville sees something that isn't working . . . He keeps doing it more hoping if he does it long enough, it will start working eventually (Keith on PP, Bolland centering 2nd line, adding guys to lineup only to play 5 minutes total, etc.)

Despite Stalberg's lack of offensive product the 3rd line has been the most consistent throughout the playoffs and Shaw's been a major contributor. There's no doubt that Shaw needs to play a bit smarter, but he's filled the 3C role rather well (better than Bolland this year).
- DarthKane

generally i agree. My point is that he's played terrible in this series. I believe that he can and will play better, but he's been bad.

Yes, Toews needs Kane, immediately. In my view, Handzus does not provide any spark to any line, I can do without him. Just like Detroit did with Bertuzzi out for Miller, their fourth line is now worlds better. Put in a young guy willing to go hard to the net. Smith is my candidate.

Their third line is dominating on offense and defense.

I would actually switch up the defense pairings a little too.

Losing faceoffs to a team like Detroit hurts too. They have pretty good puck control.
- Chicago

I'd have no issue with Q sitting Handzus in favour of Smith or Carcillo. I think the Hawks could use a little more energy and if Handzus isn't winning faceoffs then his value is minimal.

I'd have no issue with Q sitting Handzus in favour of Smith or Carcillo. I think the Hawks could use a little more energy and if Handzus isn't winning faceoffs then his value is minimal.
- DarthKane

Christ, it doesn't seem like anyone is winning faceoffs. On that Nyquist goal the Hawks actually won the faceoff, but whoever was on the wing for the Hawks, dove in, got tied up and I think it was Datsyuk chucked it down ice...GOAL.

Saad needs to come off the top line, we can't have 2 forwards on the top unit sporting goose eggs. I think it's also time to reunite Toews and Kane.

Frolik - Toews - Kane
Saad - Sharp - Hossa
Bickell - Shaw - Stalberg
Carcillo - Kruger - Handzus
- DarthKane

Those lines are perfect!!! Feel free to apply for the hopefully open HC position in a few months.

I think most of Crawford's issue's have been mental, but he has been improving.

I'd like to see Q shake up the lineup for game 4. By no means am I blaming Crawford for the 2 losses, but I wouldn't be upset with Q starting Emery in game 4 (assuming he's healthy). I wouldn't be opposed to sitting Handzus either, he was brought here for a reason (face offs) but he hasn't delivered in this series.
- DarthKane

I don't think you can put much blame on him, or much blame on the team in general but at a certain point they need a "goalie win" and I am not very sure that they have the personal to deliver there.

Those lines are perfect!!! Feel free to apply for the hopefully open HC position in a few months.
- Q...argh

I don't want Q's job. Stan's job would be my ultimate dream job.

Tell me something, if this vaunted trap you speak of is so effective, how is it that Sharp, Saad amd Stalberg found a way to go right in alone on Howard only to be stopped and Kane found a way to get behind the defence to score? That isn't an airtight trap as I know it.

Best way to beat the trap - get ahead 1-0 or 2-0 in a game and it doesn't work so good anymore.

And does a defence corps of Kronwall. Ericsson, Quincey, Smith, Coliacchivo and Kindle sound like such a stellar group that it should be shutting down Hossa, Sharp, Kane, Toews every game? Fight thru it boys, you are earning alot of money to find a way.
- RickJ

The trap isn't foolproof, it's only a system that basically clogs up the neutral zone taking the opposition's speed away. If there is a breakdown in the trap, if someone misses an assignment then two on ones, two on zeros can happen. And keep in mind Detroit isn't a trapping team so there are going to be more breakdowns then when a team like New Jersey employ it. And yes, if the Hawks can get a 2 or 3 goal lead then Detroit can no longer employ the trap. The only consistant way to beat a trap is to dump the puck in and gain possession, this involves physical play and the players who can carry it out. The Hawks seldom dump and chase and even if they did they don't have the players who can play that game.

Christ, it doesn't seem like anyone is winning faceoffs. On that Nyquist goal the Hawks actually won the faceoff, but whoever was on the wing for the Hawks, dove in, got tied up and I think it was Datsyuk chucked it down ice...GOAL.
- eburgio

That was the Shaw, Bickell, Stalberg line. Shaw "won" the draw -- but Bickell took off towards the net even though the puck ended up going to his side (left side). That was probably a planned play. It was Brunner at Center -- and he won the battle on the board with Shaw -- and you could see this whole thing taking shape. People will want to blame Leddy but with the puck merely to the left of the circle and a 50/50 puck, he didn't pinch but stayed at his point, likely thinking the puck squirts out down the boards and he keeps the play alive.

Shaw however, lost the battle BIG TIME to Brunner, who smartly backhands it up and over everyone, including Leddy. Seabrook reads enough of the play to be back in time and then simply gets undressed, along with Crawford on the goal.

Bottom line -- that play CANNOT HAPPEN.

Either Brunner guessed Bickell was going to take off towards the net upon the puck drop OR Babcock saw this in film and let Brunner know this was a set play this line likes to run. Because honestly, it did NOT seem like a simple "broken" play to me. Nyquist took off as soon as the puck went to the boards, looking for this hail mary pass.

This is why/how Q has lost the battle of the coaches. And very likely, the series.

That was the Shaw, Bickell, Stalberg line. Shaw "won" the draw -- but Bickell took off towards the net even though the puck ended up going to his side (left side). That was probably a planned play. Datsuk won the battle on the board with Shaw -- and you could see this whole thing taking shape. People will want to blame Leddy but with the puck merely to the left of the circle and a 50/50 puck, he didn't pinch but stayed at his point, likely thinking the puck squirts out down the boards and he keeps the play alive.

Shaw however, lost the battle BIG TIME to Dats, who smartly backhands it up and over everyone, including Leddy. Seabrook reads enough of the play to be back in time and then simply gets undressed, along with Crawford on the goal.

Bottom line -- that play CANNOT HAPPEN.

Either Dats guessed Bickell was going to take off towards the net upon the puck drop OR Babcock saw this in film and let Dats know this was a set play this line likes to run. Because honestly, it did NOT seem like a simple "broken" play to me. Nyquist took off as soon as the puck went to the boards, looking for this hail mary pass.

This is why/how Q has lost the battle of the coaches. And very likely, the series.
- savvyone-1

The battle was lost when Q or SB or whomever decided that the hawk team as constructed would be sufficient for a deep playoff run. It was very obvious that all you had to do to beat the Hawks was employ the trap and hit them, and that's exactly what Detroit is doing. Can hardly blame Q if he doesn't have the right pieces, unless of course, he too thought this team was a cup contender.

That was the Shaw, Bickell, Stalberg line. Shaw "won" the draw -- but Bickell took off towards the net even though the puck ended up going to his side (left side). That was probably a planned play. Datsuk won the battle on the board with Shaw -- and you could see this whole thing taking shape. People will want to blame Leddy but with the puck merely to the left of the circle and a 50/50 puck, he didn't pinch but stayed at his point, likely thinking the puck squirts out down the boards and he keeps the play alive.

Shaw however, lost the battle BIG TIME to Dats, who smartly backhands it up and over everyone, including Leddy. Seabrook reads enough of the play to be back in time and then simply gets undressed, along with Crawford on the goal.

Bottom line -- that play CANNOT HAPPEN.

Either Dats guessed Bickell was going to take off towards the net upon the puck drop OR Babcock saw this in film and let Dats know this was a set play this line likes to run. Because honestly, it did NOT seem like a simple "broken" play to me. Nyquist took off as soon as the puck went to the boards, looking for this hail mary pass.

This is why/how Q has lost the battle of the coaches. And very likely, the series.
- savvyone-1

Thanks. I couldn't remember who was on the ice, other than Leddy, Seabrook, Crawford...and their jocks. The Hawk wingers need to pitch in whenever Dats is in the circle. He's too skilled...too smart.

I see it differently, Shaw has been putting in a solid effort and has been playing well. He is also demonstrably the most passionate Blackhawk which is starting to become a negative and which the coaching staff need to address. Saad started slowly but has played better each game.

The issue is the trap employed by the Red Wings which is frustrating everyone associated with the Hawks from the players, coaching staff management to us the fans. The Hawks have no answer to the trap and to make it worse the Wings are hitting, are using picks and are goading the Hawks into getting into after the whistle skirmishes which feeds right into the Wings hands.

What is frustrating as a Hawk fan is why did Management not understand that this team as currently built would have a difficult time in the playoffs because they are unable to play the dump and chase game required for playoff success?
- paulr

To be more than a grinder, which I believe he should be, Shaw has to be smart.

Mouthing off to refs and taking undisciplined penalties isn't going to cut it.

NHL refs have long memories...

Your last point is something to be concerned about.

Intead of overanalyzing Crawford realize the lack of production has to be fixed.

As frustration sets in, Blackhawks fall again to Red Wings 3-1 - FOX 32 Chicago:http://bit.ly/10JVgvt

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

It's the players move: what's Q going to do at this point - meaningless tweaking of lines?

It's up to the players, and mostly up to the name-players: Toews must convert his opportunities and win more FOs, Hossa must be more noticeable, Kane must be more engaged and willing to back check, Sharp must find the open spots on the net more (not Howard's winged wheel), Bolland and Kruger must start getting closer to 50% on FOs.

Seabrook must be more engaged and not be deked out of his skates, Keith must get some shots thru to the net on the PP (and someone needs to be at the net when he does), Crawford must make the saves he must make.

It's mostly on the ice now, time has past for Q to make that much of a difference.
- StLBravesFan

Before the series started when everybody here was predicting a 5 game series, I said better respect this Red Wing team.

After 3 games, Datsyuk, Zetterburg and Kronwall are leading the Wings with superb intelligent veteran play and Howard is giving them great goaltending. So how do you think that compares with the play of their equivalents - Toews, Hossa, Kane, Keith and Crawford? Surprised its 2-1 Wings right now?

Datsyuk is the smartest and highest skilled player in the NHL IMO. And as Zetterburg ties up Toews all game, the Hawks don't have an answer for #13.

To be more than a grinder, which I believe he should be, Shaw has to be smart.

Mouthing off to refs and taking undisciplined penalties isn't going to cut it.

NHL refs have long memories...

Your last point is something to be concerned about.

Intead of overanalyzing Crawford realize the lack of production has to be fixed.
- Al

Shaw's antics are borne out of passion and frustration and are immature in nature. But he is hardly the reason the Hawks are in trouble with the Wings. Can't point at Crawford or Toews or any other specific player either. The issue is how on earth could Bowman not have seen the writing on the wall? Columbus made the games against the Hawks close by trapping and hitting. Did Bowman really think another coach didn't review the tape and see this? Management is the problem with this team not the individual players per se.

To be more than a grinder, which I believe he should be, Shaw has to be smart.

Mouthing off to refs and taking undisciplined penalties isn't going to cut it.

NHL refs have long memories...

Your last point is something to be concerned about.

Intead of overanalyzing Crawford realize the lack of production has to be fixed.
- Al

If shaw continues to use up negative energy the Hawks will lose this series. I love the guy but he is putting the team in a hole with ref mouthing and dumb penalties. He reminds me of Carcillo when he was a Flyer, out of control.
I would say the keys are 13 and 40 outplaying 19 and 88 and Howard is getting it done while Crawford is what he is, average.

Shaw's antics are borne out of passion and frustration and are immature in nature. But he is hardly the reason the Hawks are in trouble with the Wings. Can't point at Crawford or Toews or any other specific player either. The issue is how on earth could Bowman not have seen the writing on the wall? Columbus made the games against the Hawks close by trapping and hitting. Did Bowman really think another coach didn't review the tape and see this? Management is the problem with this team not the individual players per se.
- paulr

Never blamed one player....But often the team with the best 3rd-4th lines make long playoff runs...Many times win the Cup.

I thought as well as others Shaw's 3rd line was the best in the NHL....He needs to be on the ice and productive as do his mates for the Hawks to have an edge.

It's not the trapping it is how the players adapt and handle it....

Like I wrote today...When your best players are not as good as the better players on the otherside and the supporting cast gets outplayed as well....You lose.

As frustration sets in, Blackhawks fall again to Red Wings 3-1 - FOX 32 Chicago:http://bit.ly/10JVgvt

Thanks. I couldn't remember who was on the ice, other than Leddy, Seabrook, Crawford...and their jocks. The Hawk wingers need to pitch in whenever Dats is in the circle. He's too skilled...too smart.
- eburgio

I corrected the above because, believe it or not, it was BRUNNER (of all people) facing off against Shaw! And winning the board battle.

That play just pissed me off big-time. Not only does Seabrook get faked out of his blades but then Crawford looked like a buffoon as well.

I watched the replay again -- it clearly was a set play on both sides. I haven't paid close enough attention but they (the Hawks and this line) must have tipped that off and run it before. And Babcock knew it and had his guys ready -- they knew EXACTLY what to do.

That play does NOT happen by chance. Bickell vacates the left circle as soon as the linesman releases the puck. I mean, Bickell did not wait to see if it was going to be a 50/50 puck in the dot where he could go get it -- he drove immediately forward and then towards the net.

Stalberg stood there clueless. He doesn't pay a whit of attention to Nyquist, who immediately takes off out of the zone. That's Stalberg's guy and he's 10 ft ahead of him heading out of the zone before Stalberg even looks up to realize it.

HTF does Shaw so badly lose the board battle that gives Brunner enough time and space to backhand the puck up and over in a hail mary?

Yessir, Q has REALLY lost the mind battle with Babcock and his assistants. Gotta think that Kompon and Kitchen, as well as Q, are WAY OVERMATCHED.

Get your tee times ready boys. Methinks they'll be hitting the links after Saturday's tilt.

If shaw continues to use up negative energy the Hawks will lose this series. I love the guy but he is putting the team in a hole with ref mouthing and dumb penalties. He reminds me of Carcillo when he was a Flyer, out of control.
I would say the keys are 13 and 40 outplaying 19 and 88 and Howard is getting it done while Crawford is what he is, average.
- flyerdude17

Forgot to add, where is Hossa, is he playing, lol