So, I'm not sure anyone else is on the list for tickets... but I can tell you that I've seen an increase in phone calls from the Blackhawks trying to sell me tickets every since December and each month, it's gotten worse. It's not only me either, two people from work told me the same thing. It's almost every single home game now that "tickets just opened up". Do I want a package of 6 games or 9 games, etc.

So, I don't think they are selling out each game. I think they are probably experiencing a lost for the first time in a few years. Not making playoffs and not selling out.... something to keep an eye on.
- Crawford

yep and that will hurt wirtz where it matters most..........no playoff revenue for the 1st time since 2007-08. McDonough milked the discretionary dollar as long as he could but it's not sexy to be at 1901 w Madison anymore. casual fans don't have hawks front and center as they used to......

I was very happy when Saad was traded for. However, all the talk was about how Saad was traded for to play with Toews and bump up Toews’ game. I never thought Toews and Saad had great chemistry. This was ridiculous pressure on Saad. Toews should be responsible for Toews.

Um...In 2105 the best line in hockey BY FAR was Saad-Toews-Hossa. So I don't get your point there.

All I can say is they've given up. Maybe for the better. That Monahan empty netter was laughable. The puck was bouncing around the in the slot and there were 4 hawks just watching it. I've never seen a player react so slow as Seabrook did. They're done.

Hey Justin,

Nice write up as always. Very tough to come to grips with the current state of the team, but last night was the nail in the coffin for me on this season. We've seen glimpses of good hockey, but nothing sustained.

I think that it is pretty clear that the core players who once carried the team and were able to lift their teammates on their backs to win games no longer have the same speed, ability and in some cases one can argue, the same drive.

Much has been made on the board about Toews, Seabrook, Keith, even Kane... Lots of miles on these players. Lots of winning experience and I am sure that they knew early on that this team as constructed does not have the experience, talent or scheme to win a Stanley Cup. Players are competitive, the greats never feel that they cannot win but lets face it. Lots of young players that need lots of seasoning in the NHL. A scheme which is built around defense and quick transition to offense with so many questions entering the season on the back end. An extended absence from Crawford, who was the reason that the Hawks stayed in the race for as long as they did... In my opinion, the guys knew where this season was heading and now are unable to right the ship.

The way that I see it, Toews will never be anything more than a #2 center at this point of his career. Offensively, his numbers continue to flounder and his game (from a fan perspective) does't look anywhere near as strong as it did earlier in his career. Injuries, age, confidence, maybe a combination of all of those have taken the Captain that we all knew and reduced him to a shell of his former ability level.

Seabrook has also played a lot of hockey and age/miles are catching up to him. He was never the fastest dman, but he played strong and provided a lot of toughness. A fast, experienced dman on his opposite side would probably go a long way to covering up for is lack of speed, but Stan didn't construct this year's team in a way that gave the Hawks that luxury.

Keith and Kane are still very good players. Offensively, Keith's game has regressed, but he is still very fast, very good with his stick and makes plays each game that remind you of a Norris Trophy winner. Kane is the most talented offensive player on the team and has a lot of good hockey in front of him. I often joke with my friends that he could turn me into a 40 point NHL forward (no I'm obviously not serious, I just mean that he inflates the numbers of his line mates year in and year out). The only knock on Kane is that he doesn't always get back defensively as quickly as we know that he can. That said, he has never been Marian Hossa on the backcheck and never will be that player. He is an all world offensive talent that any team would love to add. Oh and speaking of Hossa... didn't help to lose him prior to the season either. His two-way game is one of the best I have ever seen. He was a leader by example and made everyone around him better. There is no replacing a player like that, especially right before the start of the season.

I am excited with the progress that some of the young Hawks have made this season. DeBrincat & Schmaltz have impressed me most. Hinostroza has shown a lot of speed and some potential. I like Duclair's speed and overall game. I wonder about his ability to finish the chances that he creates but I do think that he is someone to keep around.

Defensively too, some young players with potential. Overall, they need to find a way to free some cap space, make a few solid veteran signings and draft very well. I don't think this needs to be a long rebuild and I think that if things are done right, they can be back in the playoffs next season. But for this year, as much as it hurts me to say, they're not winning anything and it will put them in better long-term position to continue falling in the standings.

Um...In 2105 the best line in hockey BY FAR was Saad-Toews-Hossa. So I don't get your point there.

All I can say is they've given up. Maybe for the better. That Monahan empty netter was laughable. The puck was bouncing around the in the slot and there were 4 hawks just watching it. I've never seen a player react so slow as Seabrook did. They're done.
- thepld

1st order of business when this season ends in April is to can the entire coaching staff. Enough of this. The team has been totally mishandled by Q. This team has quit on him hence the horrific play of so many on this team. As DK said, plenty of talent on this team. I agree with that, but this team will go nowhere with Q behind the bench.

The team does have some nice pieces to build around. They have a lot of raw talent, but have a lot of growing to do before they can really be winners. The vets have to help them, and this has been more of a challenge for Toews, Keith, Seabrook, and Kane than any of us have thought. It has been even tougher since they are not winning consistently.

I am not sure what kind of coaching or support from the coaching staff the team is getting right now, but it appears to be lacking. Certainly, there are times that the coaching (and I am far from being a hockey expert) has been head-scratching.

As for the rest of the season, I suppose it is possible that the Hawks can win at a 60% clip as was mentioned yesterday by multiple media outlets. I think the team has the talent to do it, but, based on the last few games, it seems like an insurmountable task. They are headed to a middling spot in the draft. Sad, but true. Maybe not making the playoffs will help this team in the long run.

Lots of spot on insight on this board today. Impressive post after impressive post.

yep and that will hurt wirtz where it matters most..........no playoff revenue for the 1st time since 2007-08. McDonough milked the discretionary dollar as long as he could but it's not sexy to be at 1901 w Madison anymore. casual fans don't have hawks front and center as they used to......
- SteveRain

I'd like to see what the attendance actually was if the seats purchased by companies and not single/season ticket holders were made available to the general public again. It bet the UC would be almost half empty. The wheels are definitely coming off the bandwagon.

Well as it becomes clearer the hawks won't make the playoffs its time to look at the TDL and offseason. To me if bowman is going to do anything at the TDL it should be trying to acquire young RFA d man for example AA Hartman Kempney to Carolina for Hayden Fleury and a 2nd 2018 something along those lines its just an example trade off whatever the hawks can and get as many picks or prospects back. Use the hossa money and sign European and NCAA free agents. If I was bowman I would quietly shop kieth and see what the hawks could get. Seabrook isn't going anywhere until the cba and compliance buyout if there is one or trade him but would have retain 2 to 3mill per year or trade him bad contract for bad contract example luci for seabrook but he would have approve any trade because our gm likes to give NMC out like candy. In the offseason major changes need to be made starting with the GM he put this team together and its been a disaster Q also should be on the hot seat less than the gm he has been patient with this group but 2 centerman down top six forward missing and at least 2 top 4 d man short in my opinion. Shut down Crawford for the remainder of the season so next year he is 100% ready to go. One last question to the panel out of the current core, Kane Towes Crawford Kieth Seabrook and Saad, gets traded in the offseason?

I'd like to see what the attendance actually was if the seats purchased by companies and not single/season ticket holders were made available to the general public again. It bet the UC would be almost half empty. The wheels are definitely coming off the bandwagon.
- Murph76

But very fixable if Hawks ownership can make the hard, but needed decisions with the roster and the HC.

[quote=DarthKane]As frustrating as this season is I am still feeling good about the future of this team. They have so many quality young guys making their way through the ranks and I have to believe that some (maybe most) of the vets will bounce back next season.

Well said DK. This team is just what we thought they were at the beginning of the season.
No Hossa
A core that is not getting any younger
Young / inexperienced dmen
Young forwards
inexperienced back up goalie

The difference between winning and losing in this league is razor thin. If you do not believe that you were not watching 2015. In so many of their wins the opposition could not believe they lost the game to the Hawks. But the Hawks had that little something that allowed them to win. Strong will? Determination? Compete level? Hockey IQ? Coaching? This team does not have that. But I am not giving up on them and saying that they cannot make a run with this core, plus the development of the younger players, plus a few wise trades or signings.

Danault was traded during 2015-2016 season, but i get your point mostly. Also, not really pining the loss of Johns.

Tough spot as fans right now. Don't like to see them lose, but know its for the best going forward.
- BlazinMike

The danult trade would not have happened if we kept SAAD. Danult would have been either 2nd or 3rd line center and putting up AA like points 15-16. Johns would be leading or Def in both Goals and hits at this point.

1st order of business when this season ends in April is to can the entire coaching staff. Enough of this. The team has been totally mishandled by Q. This team has quit on him hence the horrific play of so many on this team. As DK said, plenty of talent on this team. I agree with that, but this team will go nowhere with Q behind the bench.
- z1990z

You may be right about firing the coaches completely.

What stood out to me yesterday was that only now was frustration/anger appearing. i.e. Toews going after Backlund (I think) in the corner after the whistle. AA venting his frustration on Brouwer after the little slash on the leg while going off the ice. Not enough fire and anger from the guys 25 and up on the roster this season.

Since Shaw priced himself out of town, there hasn't been anyone who is the getting under the opposing teams skin and serving as that lightening rod for the rest of the team. Hartman is okay, but not nearly as effective in that regard. The new guys brought in for that type of energy (Wingels/Bouma) haven't really provided that either.

The team needs to be in playoff mode for the last couple weeks as they try to get a spot, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

Kane, DBC, Schmaltz and maybe Saad are the only untouchables in my book. The rest of the roster needs a major turn over. Rough 2 years ahead.
- z1990z

I've liked Duke's game since coming over. He has really been noticeable in winning puck battles and has shown his strength. Having two guys with that style (Duclair, Saad) are nice pieces to hold onto. I really think the hole is at 2C. Schmaltz has played well, but he doesnt posess the strength and grit needed to do the job every night IMO.

As a very interested observer / Hawks fan last night ... I still can’t believe that Johnny H goal stood ... every replay on TV looked high..
- dozerD10

it was deflected before and Johnny H's stick did not touch puck from the replays i saw...i looked to be the right call...now the goalie int call was just brutal...the refs make it up and flip a coin as they go...

You may be right about firing the coaches completely.

What stood out to me yesterday was that only now was frustration/anger appearing. i.e. Toews going after Backlund (I think) in the corner after the whistle. AA venting his frustration on Brouwer after the little slash on the leg while going off the ice. Not enough fire and anger from the guys 25 and up on the roster this season.

Since Shaw priced himself out of town, there hasn't been anyone who is the getting under the opposing teams skin and serving as that lightening rod for the rest of the team. Hartman is okay, but not nearly as effective in that regard. The new guys brought in for that type of energy (Wingels/Bouma) haven't really provided that either.

The team needs to be in playoff mode for the last couple weeks as they try to get a spot, but it doesn't seem to be the case.
- breadbag

unfortunately this team does not have the skill set to compete at a playoff level. heck, we cannot even enter the zone on a PP and set up. how many times does the D guide our entry into the boards and our guy doesnt know what to do, we get jumped and easy clear....we are still doing the same thing 50+ games in....

[quote=DarthKane]As frustrating as this season is I am still feeling good about the future of this team. They have so many quality young guys making their way through the ranks and I have to believe that some (maybe most) of the vets will bounce back next season.

Well said DK. This team is just what we thought they were at the beginning of the season.
No Hossa
A core that is not getting any younger
Young / inexperienced dmen
Young forwards
inexperienced back up goalie

The difference between winning and losing in this league is razor thin. If you do not believe that you were not watching 2015. In so many of their wins the opposition could not believe they lost the game to the Hawks. But the Hawks had that little something that allowed them to win. Strong will? Determination? Compete level? Hockey IQ? Coaching? This team does not have that. But I am not giving up on them and saying that they cannot make a run with this core, plus the development of the younger players, plus a few wise trades or signings.
- -Doh-

Agreed and you are right about it being razor thing. They don't step up their game enough when the score is close. They get very few greasy goals and they are near the very bottom on the NHL at shooting% when the score is close. To me, it might be a symptom of their perimeter game. The Powerplay and Offensive units dance around the outside while the other team waits for the Hawks D to screw up in transition.

I've liked Duke's game since coming over. He has really been noticeable in winning puck battles and has shown his strength. Having two guys with that style (Duclair, Saad) are nice pieces to hold onto. I really think the hole is at 2C. Schmaltz has played well, but he doesnt posess the strength and grit needed to do the job every night IMO.
- nickmo2699

I think you are right. Duclair retrieves a lot of pucks and does a lot of those positive things on the ice. They need to keep this kid around if he signs for a reasonable amount.

Schmaltz has some great aspects to his game, but you are not wrong about him lacking in some areas. I think he could become a real solid C if he is willing to.

When can we sign Sikura? He along with Highmore will be the next big rookie contributors I think.

Oh ya hate to see the boy's lose ,but for the better in the long run . This season looks cooked . HAWKS need to steam roll this coaching staff ,bring in some young coaches that see the way the game is going . It is totally a young mans game today .

If Stan remains I hope he can get off his Trump like stand of Americans 1st when Drafting . HAWKS need some hard headed Canadian kids on this team ,no offence USA . Bouchard or Dobson would be a nice start ..

Next year new coaching and young players playing important roles ..

So glad I was around to see the last 10 years .Hope we can have another 10 that are just as exciting .. GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh ya hate to see the boy's lose ,but for the better in the long run . This season looks cooked . HAWKS need to steam roll this coaching staff ,bring in some young coaches that see the way the game is going . It is totally a young mans game today .

If Stan remains I hope he can get off his Trump like stand of Americans 1st when Drafting . HAWKS need some hard headed Canadian kids on this team ,no offence USA . Bouchard or Dobson would be a nice start ..

Next year new coaching and young players playing important roles ..

So glad I was around to see the last 10 years .Hope we can have another 10 that are just as exciting .. GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- oldduffman

not a fan of the coaches body of work this year....but Q inherited the youngest and fastest teams in the league 2009...and we know what happened...its pure nonsense this criticism about Q and his disdain for youth...they have to play guys like ADB, smaltz, hartman, young dman like forsling...no choice with the cap and core sucking 46 mildo

Now 12.7%

it was deflected before and Johnny H's stick did not touch puck from the replays i saw...i looked to be the right call...now the goalie int call was just brutal...the refs make it up and flip a coin as they go...
- bogiedoc

I believe the refs have a game plan going into every game, and when they get the opportunity to execute their game plan they move forward with it. I bet they wanted to call that off for a kick, but just knew there was nothing on the bone for them to call it.

not a fan of the coaches body of work this year....but Q inherited the youngest and fastest teams in the league 2009...and we know what happened...its pure nonsense this criticism about Q and his disdain for youth...they have to play guys like ADB, smaltz, hartman, young dman like forsling...no choice with the cap and core sucking 46 mildo
- bogiedoc

I don't think he has a distain for youth . Just don't believe he is a teaching coach ,and his lack of practice time is telling . Also benching some young players for minor infractions is not working .. H is a caveman in this league today .Love everything he has brought to this team ,but his time has come and gone ..

this team has some extremely critical hockey and business decisions this summer..

1. saad and toews are track for a 90 point combined season at cost of almost 17 mildo...combined 2 pts in their last 11 games.

this can't happen going forward; they have to decide is this just an outlier year for saad; this will be the 3rd strt down year for toews...tough decsions here.

2. seabs at 7 mildo for the next 6 years is intolerable....some way some how they have to cut their loss and get him to waive his NMC...

3. hartmann is a UFA...in or out...he should not get more than 2 years at 1.5 - 2 mildo per...is he worth it...clearly up and down and not a Q fav

4. kempny UFA = gone

5. bouma out...wingels stays

6. murphy??? what is the deal with him...he should be playing yeah he makes bonehead plays atr times...but he is the only big dman they got next to seabs...he should be playing...and he is cost controlled

7. goalie: craw is an elite goalie and cost controlled however now you got 2-3 year of injurys and concussion...can they count on him as their starter

forsberg in or out; has glass moved ahead of him?? gotta play forsberg and decide what you got...keep him or find another...

8. oesterlie is a defensive mess...he gets cought up ice as the first flame goal indicated...not strong around the net at all....convert him to forward if you like his speed and offensive skills...

You may be right about firing the coaches completely.

What stood out to me yesterday was that only now was frustration/anger appearing. i.e. Toews going after Backlund (I think) in the corner after the whistle. AA venting his frustration on Brouwer after the little slash on the leg while going off the ice. Not enough fire and anger from the guys 25 and up on the roster this season.

Since Shaw priced himself out of town, there hasn't been anyone who is the getting under the opposing teams skin and serving as that lightening rod for the rest of the team. Hartman is okay, but not nearly as effective in that regard. The new guys brought in for that type of energy (Wingels/Bouma) haven't really provided that either.

The team needs to be in playoff mode for the last couple weeks as they try to get a spot, but it doesn't seem to be the case.
- breadbag

Shaw moving on was an absolutely massive (and underestimated) loss to this team. And Q and the players definitely knew it when he left. As a group, the team has never carried themselves on the ice the same way. There's no blood and snot, cursing and swearing, homophobic slurs or hits to retaliate anymore. They just couldn't pay him what he was going to get elsewhere.

But there are some very nice ballerinas on this team skating around out there playing non contact hockey.