GOALTENDING You cannot win in the NHL with AHL goalies, and the Blackhawks are trotting out 2 AHLers now. Stan took a calculated risk not signing a veteran NHL backup (Montoya et.al) and it's cost the team since CC went down. The numbers:

Crawford 16-9-2 2.27 .929
Glass/Forsberg 8-13-6 3.01 .909

For comparison, here's Darling from last year: 18-5-5 2.38 .924

So the 2 AHL goalies are giving up 3/4 of a goal more than CC this year or Darling last year. That's why you lose close games. That's on Stan.

DEFENSE None of the guys brought in, or already here, were able to replace Hjalmarsson. He was the 2nd best defender on the team. Other than Keith and Seabrook, who are still the team's 2 best D, none of the rest bring even close to what Hammer did. Trading away Hammer and replacing him with inferior players? That one is on Stan too.

FORWARDS You are now seeing what a force of nature Marian Hossa was. 25+ goals plus the best defensive winger in the NHL. He is simply irreplaceable, and a future Hall of Famer. Can't blame Stan for this one.

Saad for Panarin. Think this team is having trouble scoring goals and creating in the offensive zone? Wouldn't it be nice at have another sniper to deploy? Don't know what's wrong with Saad, but he's sucked since the 10th game of the year. This one is on Stan.

The young guys should be better next year, but missing the playoffs this year is on Stan. 3 decisions, each made the team worse. Plus the Hossa loss. Too much to overcome.

Funny you say that... I mentioned a Franson for Leivo trade on twitter a few days ago.
- Justin Lowe

JUstin considering AA will probably is the only asset that could fetch something substantial So here are couple arm chair trades so any thoughts are welcome:

AA to washiington for chandler stepenson and bowey(depending how high they are on him) or juice

AA to Columbus for jenner and carlsson jenner playing on the 4th line or sedlak AA and panrin reunited

AA to montrel for furcal or 2nd and scherbak

AA + Hartman + Hartman for Hayden Fleruy and 4th

JUstin considering AA will probably is the only asset that could fetch something substantial So here are couple arm chair trades so any thoughts are welcome:

AA to washiington for chandler stepenson and bowey(depending how high they are on him) or juice

AA to Columbus for jenner and carlsson jenner playing on the 4th line or sedlak AA and panrin reunited

AA to montrel for furcal or 2nd and scherbak

AA + Hartman + Hartman for Hayden Fleruy and 4th
- Scott1977

Who is Juice from the Capitals?

Who is Carlsson from the Jackets? If you're referring to William Karlsson, he's ripping it up with Vegas.

And you have Hartman twice in the trade with Carolina.

Very true. That's why I'm not a capologist even as an arm-chair fan.
- AEL_Fox

Well, I am a CPA after all.

Cleaning, Pressing and Alterations.

Return of the Roar: "But behind it all must be a direction for what kind of team they want to be. This to me may be the most important thing to resolve. It is clear to me anyway that a team built purely around skill and speed is not enough. There must be a balance that includes size, grit, and above all, the abandonment of perimeter and one and done rush hockey."



Great post

Who is Juice from the Capitals?

Who is Carlsson from the Jackets? If you're referring to William Karlsson, he's ripping it up with Vegas.

And you have Hartman twice in the trade with Carolina.
- AEL_Fox

Carlsson and juice are two young d man.
Sorry misspelled djoos from washington its sounds like juice the play by play

Who is Juice from the Capitals?

Who is Carlsson from the Jackets? If you're referring to William Karlsson, he's ripping it up with Vegas.

And you have Hartman twice in the trade with Carolina.
- AEL_Fox

Ok don't remember sometimes what posted in previous blogs or pages just think AA to carolina could be a fit and the hawks are looking for a young d man with top 4 potential hartman might have to be added

GOALTENDING You cannot win in the NHL with AHL goalies, and the Blackhawks are trotting out 2 AHLers now. Stan took a calculated risk not signing a veteran NHL backup (Montoya et.al) and it's cost the team since CC went down. The numbers:

Crawford 16-9-2 2.27 .929
Glass/Forsberg 8-13-6 3.01 .909

For comparison, here's Darling from last year: 18-5-5 2.38 .924

So the 2 AHL goalies are giving up 3/4 of a goal more than CC this year or Darling last year. That's why you lose close games. That's on Stan.

DEFENSE None of the guys brought in, or already here, were able to replace Hjalmarsson. He was the 2nd best defender on the team. Other than Keith and Seabrook, who are still the team's 2 best D, none of the rest bring even close to what Hammer did. Trading away Hammer and replacing him with inferior players? That one is on Stan too.

FORWARDS You are now seeing what a force of nature Marian Hossa was. 25+ goals plus the best defensive winger in the NHL. He is simply irreplaceable, and a future Hall of Famer. Can't blame Stan for this one.

Saad for Panarin. Think this team is having trouble scoring goals and creating in the offensive zone? Wouldn't it be nice at have another sniper to deploy? Don't know what's wrong with Saad, but he's sucked since the 10th game of the year. This one is on Stan.

The young guys should be better next year, but missing the playoffs this year is on Stan. 3 decisions, each made the team worse. Plus the Hossa loss. Too much to overcome.
- scottak

Darling turns out to be one of Stanbo's better trades.

Because it turns out that Mr. Darling is now really a grossly overpaid AHL goaltender. Just ask the Hurricane's coach.

AA, Wingels, Ruuta, Kempny and Franson are the guys we should be looking to deal. Likely for draft picks. We won't get much for any of them except AA. I doubt we get any players in return. Clearing AA's salary cap hit will be the big gain there. Then maybe you can get a decent free agent defenseman with the cap space. Remember, we will still LTIR Hoss next year and the cap is going up. We will draft higher and should take the best available D-man in the draft. And our first rounder from last year might be ready next year, who knows. No one is dealing for Seabs. We are stuck with that contract unless there is a new CBA that allows for buyouts again.

Funny you say that... I mentioned a Franson for Leivo trade on twitter a few days ago.
- Justin Lowe

Now I would never expect Stan Bowman to know this but the Maple Leafs have 50 contracts and no flexibility whatsoever. Plus Nikita Soshnikov must be recalled after this weekend or he has an out that lets him go back to the KHL. He is p$ssed about being in the AHL and is one Russian that likes to play a tough aggressive in your face game and he's the type who would help the youth movement in Chicago by creating internal competition. Plus the Leafs have Leivo as you mention and a kid like Jeremy Bracco is going to have a tough time finding a spot on the Leafs roster. Some attractive young pieces.

Whether Franson is something the Leafs would take back is questionable. All he is is depth on D for a team in a playoff spot.

Darling turns out to be one of Stanbo's better trades.

Because it turns out that Mr. Darling is now really a grossly overpaid AHL goaltender. Just ask the Hurricane's coach.
- RickJ

We’ll see how the great Evan Barratt turns out. The point is that the Blackhawk #2 & #3 goalies came into the season with little/no NHL experience and neither has shown the talent needed to become an NHL goalie.

Hawks would have been better served to sign a reliable backup with NHL experience.

We’ll see how the great Evan Barratt turns out. The point is that the Blackhawk #2 & #3 goalies came into the season with little/no NHL experience and neither has shown the talent needed to become an NHL goalie.

Hawks would have been better served to sign a reliable backup with NHL experience.
- scottak

At the time, did they have any money to do so? I don’t personally recall, but these moves are never made in a vacuum.

We’ll see how the great Evan Barratt turns out. The point is that the Blackhawk #2 & #3 goalies came into the season with little/no NHL experience and neither has shown the talent needed to become an NHL goalie.

Hawks would have been better served to sign a reliable backup with NHL experience.
- scottak

Bowman wanted Forsberg because his evaluation was that he was ready for an NHL job having won a championship in the AHL. Unfortunately the Hawks just can't ever seem to win with him in the nets. A very bad goal against last night, but otherwise he and Glass have been OK behind a team that is clearly not very good. I don't know who Bowman could have signed with NHL experience that would be better behind this group of crappy defenceman.

Know why I was brought here? To make money for Rocky Wirtz. Have you seen the difference in franchise value pre-me to today? That's right I'm not going anywhere. This fan base has the luxury of a short memory. We have been so successful that it's our past success that is our greatest enemy. Have there been mis-steps? Absolutely. Show my an organ-i-zation that hasn't and I'll show you one that has won more cups than we have in the past 8 years. It's your right to nitpick past trades and completely ignore the context for them. That is easy trap to fall into, I do it. A fall from the heights we were at was inevitable. The structure of the cap combined with it being basically stagnant is perfectly designed to screw successful teams because players expect to be paid for bringing that success.

All that said there are aspects to this collapse that are not acceptable. There will probably be changes that are more drastic than initially anticipated. But 3 cups in 6 years does buy a certain amount rope. It remains to be seen who gets hung with it.
- John McDonough

I'm starting to believe you are the real McD. Well written.

But as Al Davis used to say - "Just win baby".

At the time, did they have any money to do so? I don’t personally recall, but these moves are never made in a vacuum.
- Chunk

No, because they couldn't put Hossa 9n LTIR until the first day of the season.

I agree Q is a HOF coach. I couldn't tell you if he's lost the room. But when Q keeps searching for "consistency" but ices a new lineup every night, maybe his expiration date is in the rearview and it's time for a new voice. I have no issue with them exploring trades for the Core and rebuilding. As they say, it's easier to change the coach than 20 some odd players.

- HawkintheD

To me the guy most likely to have lost the locker room is Toews. His play is so subpar that every time he opens his mouth in the locker room the players must have to conceal their expressions.
The only warrior left in Toews is the social just type. Johnny should go find a safe space and stay there.

After 24 games Hinostroza is performing at a 50 point over 80 game pace about the same as Debrincat and way ahead of Saad. He can play on my team anytime.

Now I would never expect Stan Bowman to know this but the Maple Leafs have 50 contracts and no flexibility whatsoever. Plus Nikita Soshnikov must be recalled after this weekend or he has an out that lets him go back to the KHL. He is p$ssed about being in the AHL and is one Russian that likes to play a tough aggressive in your face game and he's the type who would help the youth movement in Chicago by creating internal competition. Plus the Leafs have Leivo as you mention and a kid like Jeremy Bracco is going to have a tough time finding a spot on the Leafs roster. Some attractive young pieces.

Whether Franson is something the Leafs would take back is questionable. All he is is depth on D for a team in a playoff spot.
- RickJ

You're a smart man Rick. Another guy that would be a solid pick up... especially if someone like Franson+ or Kempny goes the other way.

Carlsson and juice are two young d man.
Sorry misspelled djoos from washington its sounds like juice the play by play
- Scott1977

No worries. Trades and rumors seem to be your thing so just want to make sure I understand who you're proposing in trades.

Didn't realize Carlsson was the Jackets #1 draft pick in 2015 so apologies for thinking you were referring to Karlsson with the Golden Knights (every team seems to have a Carlsson/Karlsson now).

Like many of the Hawks, several Jackets are underachieving this season like Jenner, Wennberg, Werenski, and Atkinson which makes Panarin's productivity that much more respectable. This past summer I was hoping Bowman would pursue Jenner. Is he nursing a nagging injury? His numbers last season weren't so strong either so gradual decline? Need a change of scenery away from Tortorella?

I'd consider an Anisimov+ for Jenner and Carlsson. As with most trades, depends on what the + is for the Hawks.

Anisimov+ for Bowey and Djoos may be reasonable, again, depending on what the + is going to the Caps. Bowey supposedly is great at running a PP.

Anisimov+ for one of the Canes young defenders Hanifin, Pesce, Slavin, Bean, or Fleury is worth a look, too. Canes would probably want quite a bit in return for one of them, though.

Anton Forsberg is ranked 31st out of 47 NHL goalies in sv%. This is not terrible goal tending nor is he performing like an AHL goalie in the NHL. He is ahead of Carey Price among others.


https://www.foxsports.com...team=0&qual=1&sortOrder=0

Anton Forsberg is ranked 31st out of 47 NHL goalies in sv%. This is not terrible goal tending nor is he performing like an AHL goalie in the NHL. He is ahead of Carey Price among others.


https://www.foxsports.com...team=0&qual=1&sortOrder=0
- Savoy

Goaltending has not been the issue. I'm sure Crow would have gotten is a few more wins, but the issue is our scoring and our defense.

Anton Forsberg is ranked 31st out of 47 NHL goalies in sv%. This is not terrible goal tending nor is he performing like an AHL goalie in the NHL. He is ahead of Carey Price among others.


https://www.foxsports.com...team=0&qual=1&sortOrder=0
- Savoy

this is forsberg's first season of NHL play...he and glass like craw have shelled game after game with 35 plus sogs and high quality chances served up by a d-corp that trying to figure things out and forwards who are give away and turnover prone.

Forsberg in his first few games got no support for the skaters in front of him...

he can play and with proper coaching he will learn...

glass is an ahl goalie who is unorthodox and technically weak...but he gives it his all and battles...

Goaltending has not been the issue. I'm sure Crow would have gotten is a few more wins, but the issue is our scoring and our defense.
- tvetter

in their last 8 home games the hawks have scored 12 goals...

1.5 goals for is going to end up 1-6-1 even with craw..maybe he ekes out another win...

This post has been what I've been thinking for the most part; the high-paid guys aren't really moveable and it is too soon to know how good some of these young guys are going to be.

I'd love to see the veterans come back stronger (and better) next season (refreshed, renewed, reenergized, etc.) And have the young guys take another step or two or three in their development.

There might/could be some extra cap room to bring in a defensemen or two and maybe a top six forward or two. Might have to move some guys to do so, but it's worthing thinking about. Adding a few guys in their primes before next season should get them back into the playoffs.

in their last 8 home games the hawks have scored 12 goals...

1.5 goals for is going to end up 1-6-1 even with craw..maybe he ekes out another win...
- bogiedoc

I expect brass to peddle the Crow injury excuse heavy and hard as the team sinks further. The bottom line is many talented players are in other NHL cities either traded because they had to be (Leddy) -often times for garbage- or traded because of idiotic GM work (Danault) combined with the inability to sign capable replacements because a select few guys were awarded insanely large deals under the premise that they, and they alone, won those Stanley Cups. These players were then given an unfair and exorbitant salary that would further erode the competitive balance of the team is part and parcel the problem with the Hawks. Not an injury (this is hockey almost every team has key injuries here and there)