Well they still have home ice against any pacific division team if they make it to the WCF, but he certainly choked away 1st in central
- maria_wyeth

Good distinction Maria and YES

https://www.nhl.com/news/why-blackhawks-will-win-stanley-cup/c-280224214
- pdx2ord

Hey wait a minute, WTF isn't Q's superpet mentioned anywhere in that article?

Where is Mashinter's name????
Q better not get wind of this article, he'll have that writer's head stat.

This is a good list. I would add that the Hawks must find a way to carry the puck into the o-zone. They have struggled to get possession when having to dump it in
- etchtech

>Agreed

Ok. Most of us picked them to win every series, so how impressive is that record, really? (Don't get me wrong, Love JJ and not picking on him.....)

Since 2009 I bet you picked them to lose to Detroit in 2009 making you 3-0 that year.
2010 - 4-0
2011 - You picked Vancouver to win, which they barely did.
2012 - 0-1 as you picked hawks to beat Yotes.
2013 - 4-0 - though you might have picked the Bruins
2014 - 2-1 - Did you bet against the hawks vs Kings?
2015 - 4-0

Do agree that I hope for 15-2, but which of the 14 correct picks was a tough pick? Maybe to beat San Jose in 2010? Go Hawks.

Bold statement. The hard headed Q who is now facing increasing scrutiny on his lineup decisions, as he should. But let's face it. The Stars were much better all season long. And I won't point out those embarrassing head-to-head match ups.

And still, the Stars get dismissed because of their defense and inconsistent goaltending. Let's put it this way, I'm glad the Hawks are playing the Blows in the first round.
- TexasFlood

Absolutely Tex and I said fairly early in the year that the Dallas Stars were A PROBLEM. Many here cited their usual deficiencies, but their record speaks for itself. We'll see NOW if they're playoff ready.

As for Q...he's my fave Hawks coach ever, but the phuckery this year has grated on the nerves. He said the Hawks will their "A+" game. So will HE.

Yes, yes, yes, and ... yes.
- John Jaeckel

>JJ, you were there Sat nite: How did Crow look in person?

>JJ, you were there Sat nite: How did Crow look in person?
- SnapitUpstairs

>Any more details of what you mentioned in the blog?

That is a very good point. We all know we have no idea what is going on behind closed doors in the organization, but I forget that the coaches are seeing a lot more of the players off the puck than those of us watching on tv. Perhaps Mash is doing something behind the play that Q really likes, feels Weise can't bring, and we aren't seeing. I very much hope that is the case. Otherwise I might have a stroke seeing 53 suit up for game 1
- maria_wyeth

Agree Maria but here's my point....if Q likes what Mash is doing behind the play (like not tripping over the blue line).....then why only play him 5 minutes a night?

BLACKHAWKS: DALE WEISE averaged just 11:12 of ice time in 28 playoff games with Montreal the past two seasons but still managed five goals, three of which were game winners, and 10 points. A heart-and-soul checker like him emerges in Chicago every post-season. He’s playing with more confidence than ever and had already scored a career-best 14 goals when the Hawks acquired him at the trade deadline. He’s a natural fit alongside Andrew Shaw, who plays a similar game. The pair will wreak havoc on opposing D-men in the corners and after whistles.

From The Hockey News first-round preview........Poor author doesn't know that Weise may not even dress for game #1. Three game winning goals in two season means nothing to Q.

Agree Maria but here's my point....if Q likes what Mash is doing behind the play (like not tripping over the blue line).....then why only play him 5 minutes a night?
- ILGolfer

I'm definitely with you there. A few posts back I mentioned that ice time alone suggest Q finds Mashinter to be more of a liability than Weise, and he is never rolling 4 lines with 53 in there, and it was the same when he was scratching Panik for Mash. I just hope there's something Q is seeing that we aren't because the alternative is he's just lost his mind and is gonna blender his way to a first round exit

That is a very good point. We all know we have no idea what is going on behind closed doors in the organization, but I forget that the coaches are seeing a lot more of the players off the puck than those of us watching on tv. Perhaps Mash is doing something behind the play that Q really likes, feels Weise can't bring, and we aren't seeing. I very much hope that is the case. Otherwise I might have a stroke seeing 53 suit up for game 1
- maria_wyeth

I would argue that the stats reflect much of what the player does on the ice, and there is no meaningful category in which Mashinter looks better than Rasmussen. The only reason to play Mashinter over Rasmussen is that he hits more, and will fight when Q asks.

Hits (hits made)
Hits T (hits taken)
Pen (penalties committed)
Pens D (penalties drawn)

kind of have to agree

https://www.nhl.com/news/...n-stanley-cup/c-280224214

We know who the top 2 lines are

? TT Flash
Shaw, Krugs, Dezi

Weise
Panik
Mash

Take a deep breath guys, I have faith Q won't play his long lost love child unless those 2 other forwards are hurt

I'm definitely with you there. A few posts back I mentioned that ice time alone suggest Q finds Mashinter to be more of a liability than Weise, and he is never rolling 4 lines with 53 in there, and it was the same when he was scratching Panik for Mash. I just hope there's something Q is seeing that we aren't because the alternative is he's just lost his mind and is gonna blender his way to a first round exit
- maria_wyeth

Agree again Maria....the blender is only for "victory" margaritas. If Mash sees ONE minute of ice time in the playoffs, something is wrong. Someone else earlier posted about McD or even Rocky getting involved but I don't see that happening.

But, if they bow out in round #1 and miss out on all that additional revenue, they'll be some talking in the Front Office for sure. And I sure hope Q understands there's always ramifications if you don't win. I would hope he doesn't think he can get in a p*ssing contest with Stan because I gotta think Q would lose that one. Tough to beat the Bowman's.

We know who the top 2 lines are

? TT Flash
Shaw, Krugs, Dezi

Weise
Panik
Mash

Take a deep breath guys, I have faith Q won't play his long lost love child unless those 2 other forwards are hurt
- BetweenTheDots

I'm a Panik fan but I'd start Weise in game one. Weise would be on a short leash but I think I'd go with experience Weise provides.

As I said Shaw and Hossa in, Weise out. Same script as Jimmy Hayes and Jeremy Morin read from. Its Q telling Weise he's not impressed. Weise should be used to it, Tortorella told him the same thing in Vancouver.

Why Mashinter in for Game 1 - no answer for you other than Q probably expects Reaves to play so both of them can waste our time watching a meaningless scrap.
- RickJ

I agree with both points--- Perhaps Q is utilizing a strategy with Weise to make him more hungry-- He is a player who seems to need to play on the edge-- kind of like Shaw-- I still think Weise will make an impact in this series--

As far as Manpoopter-- he tangled with Reaves last game -- and to me he is probably the only Hawk who would go with Reaves-- So old school coach Q says he wants Manpoopter in there-- and I would bet -- as much as he has flaws-- his teammates totally respect him standing up to Reaves-- Not that I am advocating that-- but its a decision that has some logic to it--

I'm a Panik fan but I'd start Weise in game one. Weise would be on a short leash but I think I'd go with experience Weise provides.
- DarthKane

I'm speculating, depending on how the first couple of games go, Panik and Weise will be switched into and out of the lineup. Both are solid players for sure but you can tell that Panik has caught Q's attention.

Weise should definitely get a shot. I enjoyed the double screen from him and Ladd on the PP a few games ago b/c Hossa was injured.

Ok. Most of us picked them to win every series, so how impressive is that record, really? (Don't get me wrong, Love JJ and not picking on him.....)

Since 2009 I bet you picked them to lose to Detroit in 2009 making you 3-0 that year.
2010 - 4-0
2011 - You picked Vancouver to win, which they barely did.
2012 - 0-1 as you picked hawks to beat Yotes.
2013 - 4-0 - though you might have picked the Bruins
2014 - 2-1 - Did you bet against the hawks vs Kings?
2015 - 4-0

Do agree that I hope for 15-2, but which of the 14 correct picks was a tough pick? Maybe to beat San Jose in 2010? Go Hawks.
- jimnhlnut

That's a fair critique.

I agree with both points--- Definitely Q is utilizing a strategy with Weise to make him more hungry-- He is a player who seems to need to play on the edge-- kind of like Shaw-- I still think Weise will make an impact in this series--

As far as Manpoopter-- he tangled with Reaves last game -- and to me he is probably the only Hawk who would go with Reaves-- So old school coach Q says he wants Manpoopter in there-- and I would bet -- as much as he has flaws-- his teammates totally respect him standing up to Reaves-- Not that I am advocating that-- but its a decision that has some logic to it--
- jb3333

Fixed.

Q wants the rusher to go back to being a crusher. So for now, he's an usher.

Weise will get his chance. When he does, he needs to stop trying to be Fleischmann and be more Shaw. Then he will play more.

Fixed.

Q wants the rusher to go back to being a crusher. So for now, he's an usher.

Weise will get his chance. When he does, he needs to stop trying to be Fleischmann and be more Shaw. Then he will play more.
- John Jaeckel

I don't think Q has a bloody clue what he wants from Weise and hence the player is thoroughly confused.

I agree with both points--- Perhaps Q is utilizing a strategy with Weise to make him more hungry-- He is a player who seems to need to play on the edge-- kind of like Shaw-- I still think Weise will make an impact in this series--

As far as Manpoopter-- he tangled with Reaves last game -- and to me he is probably the only Hawk who would go with Reaves-- So old school coach Q says he wants Manpoopter in there-- and I would bet -- as much as he has flaws-- his teammates totally respect him standing up to Reaves-- Not that I am advocating that-- but its a decision that has some logic to it--
- jb3333

Its early in the series strategy or just posturing, one of the 2. Q indicating to Hitchcock if you dress Reaves I will have my guy ready.

Neither one of them are worth a crap as hockey players so by the time the 3rd or 4th game rolls around both of them will be in the press box and the real players will decide the series.

Its much the same as when Sutter dresses Jordan Nolan or Tanner Glass plays for the Rangers in the playoffs - boneheads who ultimately have no influence on the outcome of a playoff series, unless of course they injure a very good player on the other team.

Like me, you have no idea what has gone on between the coaching staff and Weise and what he hasn't been doing that they want. If it were my choice I would have put Mashinter and Bickell on the same Greyhound bus to Rockford, kept Rasmussen up and dressed him Wednesday and press boxed Weise anyway. If Shaw demonstrates he can't perform due to injury effects, Weise will eventually play.
- RickJ

I agree with this. Shaw has been playing with his hair on fire. Weise hasn't bought his ice time yet.

Will it be more controversial for Weise or Erhoff to not get time.

I think both those guys will need to see ice time. Especially Erhoff and especially in the second round if they see a team with speed and depth.

This kind of reminds me of that one time against Daytoit where Q nearly out coached himself.

I don't think Q has a bloody clue what he wants from Weise and hence the player is thoroughly confused.
- philco28

Amazing to me how much anguish on this board for currently the 13th best forward on the team. And he would be the 14th best if they hadn't sent Rasmussen down.

Injuries will happen, Weise will play eventually. We aren't talking Guy Lafleur, Cam Neely or Rick Middleton here.

Amazing to me how much anguish on this board for currently the 13th best forward on the team. And he would be the 14th best if they hadn't sent Rasmussen down.

Injuries will happen, Weise will play eventually. We aren't talking Guy Lafleur, Cam Neely or Rick Middleton here.
- RickJ

It's not just Weise. Last year it was Vermette. Q takes a Top 10 faceoff man and plays him on the wing and then benches him ???? There's a pattern of phuckery here by our coach.

Weise should be playing 10-14 minutes every night. But he hasn't been and consequently has never gotten in a groove in CHI.
Fleischmann's -7, Weise is +4, yet the Czech gets a regular shift.