I felt a little worse after the TD ,and the team did not look the same . I like the Oduya move at 1st till I realized he was pretty banged up . And the Jurco move was terrible IMO , even more so that they send Hino down . Felt that was a bad message to young players ,and killed some chemistry . And Qduya why buy damaged good ,they could have gotten Smith from the wings for around the same price .It easy to say now I guess ,but sometime the best trade you make iS the one you don't ..Well the weather is getting better and there is always next year .

Another quote from Stan on the BR story. "This was unacceptable. Changes are on the way."


Do we see DK moved? His name has popped up before for in team issues. Didnt he have something going with Sharp? I know a rumor but his sudden arrival late in game 4 suggests something is wrong. Still think that of the big 3 on D, one gets moved.

Ya, all NHL teams have clean out the locker room exit meetings between players and the brass and digest what is said. Maybe nobody showed up, like in the 4 games vs Nashville.
- RickJ

Thumbs up...good one Rick

To be sure I am not blaming Keith, or anyONE, person for getting swept in a season where it was possible to miss the playoffs but instead win the regular season conference and I certainly don't know the exact problems and how to fix them.

But if I had to bet a dollar on what the fix would be it would be to change the culture. And not knowing where the culture problem starts I have no idea where to begin.

My point about Keith is that as a 27 yr old healthy world class talent after having won a cup admitted publicly he really wasn't interested the following season. Follow that up with multiple seasons of the Hawks disinterested for 15 game stretches in season and IMO there has been a culture issue for years that was overcome by the sheer talent of a younger core and not being as far down cap hell as they are today.

I'm as much a Hawk fan as the next guy but there are months I've found the Hawks unwatchable for years now. Hard to be interested in a team that for long stretches isn't.
- Mr Ricochet

Critical point for the ticket buying fan or those spending money to watch on cable. I'm with you, so many games where the on ice product is stale and boring to watch. And it is a problem that has spread in the NHL because the key to winning is lock down defensive hockey that chokes the best talent and stifles their creativity. And then guys like Joe Pavelski gets lauded for how he is handling McDavid in the playoffs or admiration for Dubinsky for what he does to Crosby.

The guys that are considered the best coaches all want to follow a similar defensive script - Julien, Trotz, Boucher, Deboer, Carlyle, Tippett, Sutter and Babcock. At least Babcock admitted he hasn't been able to control a lot of his players and what they are doing and where they are going on the ice.

Another quote from Stan on the BR story. "This was unacceptable. Changes are on the way."


Do we see DK moved? His name has popped up before for in team issues. Didnt he have something going with Sharp? I know a rumor but his sudden arrival late in game 4 suggests something is wrong. Still think that of the big 3 on D, one gets moved.
- z1990z

I find that hard to believe with DK contract . But hey who knows . My belief is it may be Jhammer because his deal is coming up and the vault is pretty low ..

If we want to get into making deals ,is always fun but not to realistic .How about Jhammer &Panarian to the Colorado for Landerskog and Barrie ..

I find that hard to believe with DK contract . But hey who knows . My belief is it may be Jhammer because his deal is coming up and the vault is pretty low ..
- oldduffman

Acknowledging that anything is possible, it's say the probability of Stan moving Keith is very low. Keith would have to want out and Stan would have to hit a home run with the return he got.

To be sure I am not blaming Keith, or anyONE, person for getting swept in a season where it was possible to miss the playoffs but instead win the regular season conference and I certainly don't know the exact problems and how to fix them.

But if I had to bet a dollar on what the fix would be it would be to change the culture. And not knowing where the culture problem starts I have no idea where to begin.

My point about Keith is that as a 27 yr old healthy world class talent after having won a cup admitted publicly he really wasn't interested the following season. Follow that up with multiple seasons of the Hawks disinterested for 15 game stretches in season and IMO there has been a culture issue for years that was overcome by the sheer talent of a younger core and not being as far down cap hell as they are today.

I'm as much a Hawk fan as the next guy but there are months I've found the Hawks unwatchable for years now. Hard to be interested in a team that for long stretches isn't.
- Mr Ricochet

But this is what professional sports with long seasons is turning into. NBA teams rest their stars during the regular season because they want them fresh for the playoffs. It's a huge problem for the paying customer.

Bowman saying what we wanted to hear. Glad to see they're not feeding us BS. Let's hope these words turn into action

Based on Q's comments it appears that Anisimov was playing hurt. Can't say I'm surprised, but it does explain a lot.

Bowman saying what we wanted to hear. Glad to see they're not feeding us BS. Let's hope these words turn into action
- hawks1921

Stan can say whatever he wants, McD and the marketing machine won't allow him to trade any of the core. This is just more hype.

Based on Q's comments it appears that Anisimov was playing hurt. Can't say I'm surprised, but it does explain a lot.
- DarthKane

Doesn't explain very much to me. Nobody who watches this team would have thought he was 100% healthy if they had seen him get hurt in Montreal.

I don't see Pittsburgh lose 8 in a row when Malkin goes out for a month and a half. Other players pick up the slack.

Stan can say whatever he wants, McD and the marketing machine won't allow him to trade any of the core. This is just more hype.
- DarthKane

I read earlier than McD was 'livid'. Livid people do crazy things. I'm waiting for some craziness.

Bowman speaks and not quite as JJ had predicted:

“I’m completely disappointed,” Bowman said in a prepared statement. “It’s unacceptable to be where we are today. I’m frustrated, I’m angry. This was a tough, tough loss for us all to take. Standing here April 22 is not the way we expected our season to end. And it’s a complete failure when you measure it against the expectations that we have of ourselves.

“It’s time right now to take a look in the mirror and face facts. And when you do that, you look at accountability, and that starts with me. I need to be better, there’s no doubt about it. I’m going to take a look at all things. I can promise you I will be better ... Joel and I are going to work together to make sure this never happens again.”

On lack of effort: “I don’t know if I buy that,” Bowman said. “And if that’s the case, then we’re going to get rid of those people. Because the only reason we come here is to win the Cup.”

No warm fuzzies about the newbies growth and up and coming prospect.

Bowman speaks and not quite as JJ had predicted:

“I’m completely disappointed,” Bowman said in a prepared statement. “It’s unacceptable to be where we are today. I’m frustrated, I’m angry. This was a tough, tough loss for us all to take. Standing here April 22 is not the way we expected our season to end. And it’s a complete failure when you measure it against the expectations that we have of ourselves.

“It’s time right now to take a look in the mirror and face facts. And when you do that, you look at accountability, and that starts with me. I need to be better, there’s no doubt about it. I’m going to take a look at all things. I can promise you I will be better ... Joel and I are going to work together to make sure this never happens again.”

On lack of effort: “I don’t know if I buy that,” Bowman said. “And if that’s the case, then we’re going to get rid of those people. Because the only reason we come here is to win the Cup.”

No warm fuzzies about the newbies growth and up and coming prospect.
- bogiedoc

Well, it's all about results. However, Stan being this candid about the failure is encouraging that it won't be rationalized away.

So Bleacher Report just popped a story in regards to Stan and his thoughts on the series loss. Per Stan, "Joel is our head coach and he will continue to be our head coach. Joel and I will work together to make sure this never happens again".


Fn wow. Wonder if Q's fate is tied to Stan. If Q goes does Stan go as well? Think the Hawks brass are a little too quick here to say who is going and who is staying. As JJ put.. the spin has begun. I take this as Stan doing what he can to protect himself but, its way to early to be making comments like this.
- z1990z

I always laugh when I hear comments like that. How many times do you hear that and then a day or week later the word "fired" is spoken next? What's it called, the kiss of death?

Stan's comments are good. He sounds motivated. I will wait to see how he manages things and will root for the best.

Bowman speaks and not quite as JJ had predicted:

“I’m completely disappointed,” Bowman said in a prepared statement. “It’s unacceptable to be where we are today. I’m frustrated, I’m angry. This was a tough, tough loss for us all to take. Standing here April 22 is not the way we expected our season to end. And it’s a complete failure when you measure it against the expectations that we have of ourselves.

“It’s time right now to take a look in the mirror and face facts. And when you do that, you look at accountability, and that starts with me. I need to be better, there’s no doubt about it. I’m going to take a look at all things. I can promise you I will be better ... Joel and I are going to work together to make sure this never happens again.”

On lack of effort: “I don’t know if I buy that,” Bowman said. “And if that’s the case, then we’re going to get rid of those people. Because the only reason we come here is to win the Cup.”

No warm fuzzies about the newbies growth and up and coming prospect.
- bogiedoc

Bogi IMO you missed the most important point, where he says he doesn't buy that it was a lack of effort. If one is to believe that was a/the problem you're being told in April that you'll see more of the same next year with a few tweaks.

If you're a believer in lack of effort/interest/stale you feel management is missing the root cause. Problems not identified can't be corrected.

I've purposely avoided the press and opinions to finish the games I haven't watched yet so as to not skew my thoughts but the few I couldn't avoid all say lack of effort was a factor.

Good to hear the Hawks acknowledge the root cause of the loss with transparent and genuine statements. A united front with accountability and acceptance that the effort/compete level was not enough.

The proof will be in what changes going forward, but the Hawks owned up to the poor finish and said what needed to be said.

Stan's comments are good. He sounds motivated. I will wait to see how he manages things and will root for the best.
- kwolf68

I see the biggest change on D. Will Q be okay with more youngsters? In terms of moving D, 2/7 appear to be going nowhere. Does that mean 4 gets moved for forward help? Need to resign Kempny and Forsling needs more time. Forsling looks to have good wheels and a good shot. We obviously need more speed on D. Roz, Soup and JO all need to go. Q always falls back to his old/vet D.

Still dont think Q survives this. The phone is going to ring. Stan will answer it and the the response will be, "No!"

I always laugh when I hear comments like that. How many times do you hear that and then a day or week later the word "fired" is spoken next? What's it called, the kiss of death?
- powerenforcer

So I wonder if the Hawks get off to a slow start next season would they let Q go?

I wonder if Panik will be back. He didn't sound so sure today, which is understandable given his contract situation.

I want Panik back at a reasonable-fair rate, he provided some great grit that was otherwise lacking in the team. But I would not over-pay for the the guy or commit to a long term deal (2-3 years max).

I wonder if Panik will be back. He didn't sound so sure today, which is understandable given his contract situation.

I want Panik back at a reasonable-fair rate, he provided some great grit that was otherwise lacking in the team. But I would not over-pay for the the guy or commit to a long term deal (2-3 years max).
- DarthKane

Is he UFA now? Wasnt aware.. only making 875. Million a year +/- is a fair. Think that is a guy you have to hang on to.

I wonder if Panik will be back. He didn't sound so sure today, which is understandable given his contract situation.

I want Panik back at a reasonable-fair rate, he provided some great grit that was otherwise lacking in the team. But I would not over-pay for the the guy or commit to a long term deal (2-3 years max).
- DarthKane

Same. He's been one of the bright spots

Is he UFA now? Wasnt aware.. only making 875. Million a year +/- is a fair. Think that a guy you have to hang on to.
- z1990z

RFA