@MarkLazerus: Q says #Blackhawks will go with eight defensemen down the stretch.

Nicholas W. Goss ‏@NickGossNESN
Avs' Nathan MacKinnon has tied Wayne Gretzky's record for longest points streak by an 18-year-old at 12 games. #NHL

I am at the point (and I have said this before so don't say it is sour grapes after a loss), if this FO does not solve the #2C, then I would really consider seeing what Kane and Hossa can get you, because they are wasting away in the current situation. It makes the rest of the team have to play alot harder than it has to, basically being a line weak.

Maybe their return can provide a better overall 2nd line than they have now.
- powerenforcer

Are you wearing a helmet right now?

In reality, pretty much no NHL game is reffed fine, and this one was no different...especially late, but it's not the reason they lost.
- Ogilthorpe2

Blaming the refs for a loss is usually just being a sore loser and trying to place the blame elsewhere.

I've played the game. I've reffed the game. It isn't easy to do, mistakes happen, but the NHL refs do a good enough job in my books. They certainly aren't why the Blackhawks lost tonight and I'd place no blame on them at all tonight. It was fine.

Whining about the refs is a pathetic move in my opinion.

.......here comes the Hawk lose crowd......the ledge jumpers who only post after loss...welcome gentlemen.....the pleasure is all yours....
- UnnamedSource

You must admit - they have had a lot of losses to pistol after recently.

4-5-3 in the last dozen games - 4 wins 8 losses.

Even on a points basis (11 out of 24) it ain't good.

I am at the point (and I have said this before so don't say it is sour grapes after a loss), if this FO does not solve the #2C, then I would really consider seeing what Kane and Hossa can get you, because they are wasting away in the current situation. It makes the rest of the team have to play alot harder than it has to, basically being a line weak.

Maybe their return can provide a better overall 2nd line than they have now.
- powerenforcer

They probably should have done that before they won 2 Cups...it's a rudderless ship really.

@MarkLazerus: Q says #Blackhawks will go with eight defensemen down the stretch.
- DarthKane

So that means no forwards on the taxi squad, since Hossa is out but not on LTIR, right?

Handzus and Regin every game until Hossa gets back.

Are you wearing a helmet right now?
- Ogilthorpe2

Why do you ask? I feel like on most nights, having Kane (or Hossa) is like having a Ferarri in a school zone. You have a beast, but it cannot run at near it's power.

- UnnamedSource

At least I can see the writing on the wall, ignorance is bliss pal.

Blaming the refs for a loss is usually just being a sore loser and trying to place the blame elsewhere.

I've played the game. I've reffed the game. It isn't easy to do, mistakes happen, but the NHL refs do a good enough job in my books. They certainly aren't why the Blackhawks lost tonight and I'd place no blame on them at all tonight. It was fine.

Whining about the refs is a pathetic move in my opinion.
- HawkFan27

Agreed they're not the reason he Hawks lost, but I will never in a million years agree that they do a good job. They suck most nights. Fact. Zero consistency.

Maybe im crazy, but i wouldnt freak out all that much about this loss. I think all Hawks fans should start focusing on the difference between who gets what seed and who the better team truly is. Its very possible we will slip to the 3 or the 4, or that we may still get 2 or 1. But in a playoff series id take our team over just about anybody, definitely the Avs, regardless of if we're home or away in the series.

Iv seen more than enough from our team this year when they amp it up against top notch competition to show that they are still the best team in the league until taken down in a playoff series. Period. But when u continue to see nights where we lose games when we've clearly outplayed the opposition, and simultaneously a team like the Blues or the Ducks pulls off a come from behind/last minute win...u cant help but realize that maybe its just not meant to be when it comes to that 1 seed/presidents trophy...BUT, that doesn't mean fans should count the team out or pronounce them to be doomed come playoff time. We still have the best team dammit. Let the Blues and the Avs enjoy their regular season heroics, cuz thats all their gonna get!

Why do you ask? I feel like on most nights, having Kane (or Hossa) is like having a Ferarri in a school zone. You have a beast, but it cannot run at near it's power.
- powerenforcer

Never mind...So trade them for what? A 2C so maybe they can win a cup or two?

Blaming the refs for a loss is usually just being a sore loser and trying to place the blame elsewhere.

I've played the game. I've reffed the game. It isn't easy to do, mistakes happen, but the NHL refs do a good enough job in my books. They certainly aren't why the Blackhawks lost tonight and I'd place no blame on them at all tonight. It was fine.

Whining about the refs is a pathetic move in my opinion.
- HawkFan27

The call on Oduya that decided the game was a typical bumphuck zebra call.
But defend your buddies all night. It's all good.

- UnnamedSource

Ha! This is your new "No". Works for me.

Blaming the refs for a loss is usually just being a sore loser and trying to place the blame elsewhere.

I've played the game. I've reffed the game. It isn't easy to do, mistakes happen, but the NHL refs do a good enough job in my books. They certainly aren't why the Blackhawks lost tonight and I'd place no blame on them at all tonight. It was fine.

Whining about the refs is a pathetic move in my opinion.
- HawkFan27

I am tired of people saying that reffing is a hard thing to do. Why should that matter? If it's too hard, then maybe they should not do it. That is just an excuse. We all have hard jobs, I bet if we messed up as much as they do we would be out of a job.

You must admit - they have had a lot of losses to pistol after recently.

4-5-3 in the last dozen games - 4 wins 8 losses.

Even on a points basis (11 out of 24) it ain't good.
- StLBravesFan

The Hawks are simply not a great club now...and they're inconsistency is aggravating.

Flippin' the switch in the playoffs is all that remains...that and prayer for you believers out there.

The call on Oduya that decided the game was a typical bumphuck zebra call.
But defend your buddies all night. It's all good.
- philco28

Sure, I'll "defend" my buddies, while you "defend" a blackhawks loss by blaming and crying about the refs.

Avalanche scored more than the Blackhawks. Blackhawks couldn't get the puck to the back of the net and Crawford didn't keep enough out. Pretty simple in my eyes.

- UnnamedSource

I've created a monster

At least I can see the writing on the wall, ignorance is bliss pal.
- Primetime2330

What's the writing? Also I doubt he's your pal, guy.

Maybe im crazy, but i wouldnt freak out all that much about this loss. I think all Hawks fans should start focusing on the difference between who gets what seed and who the better team truly is. Its very possible we will slip to the 3 or the 4, or that we may still get 2 or 1. But in a playoff series id take our team over just about anybody, definitely the Avs, regardless of if we're home or away in the series.

Iv seen more than enough from our team this year when they amp it up against top notch competition to show that they are still the best team in the league until taken down in a playoff series. Period. But when u continue to see nights where we lose games when we've clearly outplayed the opposition, and simultaneously a team like the Blues or the Ducks pulls off a come from behind/last minute win...u cant help but realize that maybe its just not meant to be when it comes to that 1 seed/presidents trophy...BUT, that doesn't mean fans should count the team out or pronounce them to be doomed come playoff time. We still have the best team dammit. Let the Blues and the Avs enjoy their regular season heroics, cuz thats all their gonna get!
- SimpleJack

Pretty much...this. I'm not worried. Dominate possession and shots like they did tonight they will win more often than not.

Why do you ask? I feel like on most nights, having Kane (or Hossa) is like having a Ferarri in a school zone. You have a beast, but it cannot run at near it's power.
- powerenforcer

Hossa is doing well with Toews and Sharp - he'll wind up with his most goals as a Hawk.

Kane - through about 40 games - was having his best scoring season - how did that happen? How do they get back to that?

The Hawks are simply not a great club now...and they're inconsistency is aggravating.

Flippin' the switch in the playoffs is all that remains...that and prayer for you believers out there.
- ArlingtonRob

Honestly what were you like when they were the worst team in the league? I can't imagine even being more negative.

NEW BLOB!!!!!!

New JJ blog is up!

NEW BLOB!!!!!!
- Elbows15

BLOB? Where?