Malkin, Kessel, and Crosby all have over 60 points. Crosby has 43 assists. Talk about guys that have played a lot of hockey the last few years,btw. I don't understand your point. Their best players (core) have been producing a bit better than the Hawks, wouldn't you say?
- Davewn

Blackhawks might turn out resembling the type of roster the penguins field. Some top players and a lot of role players. I suggest more NHL team rosters could shape up similarly. When free agency huts there always seems to be a suitor whom overpays. Then watch as the team with the pretty new toy has to put a lot of low salary in the lineup if they add even one more high salary player. The cap goes up but salaries correspondingly rise.

This past off season I recall Washington "lost" Johanssoon to New Jersey. The Blues firesaw their situatiin at the trade deadline last season and "lost" Shattenkirk.

So either through free agency or trade deadline roster moves designed to relieve salary cap issue which would have been forthcoming, teams loose players. You might notice several young players have been intriduced by the Blues this season. You might notice that the Capitals loose another player or two before next season

Whomever eventually become our core pieces as the rebuild gets farther along, i do expect lots of inexpensive talent surrounding them. But here in the Windy City we loose two former core pieces due to compliance buyout/retirement. It's going to happen.

Never understand why they don't develop Rutta and Kempny. Q has done nothing but destroy any confidence these players once had and could build upon with his continued banishing to the press box

Their huge guys don't hit much. Girardi and Dochtin and the hit leaders and they are playing 16 minutes a night. Callahan and Kunitz have value outside of being gritty. My points is that nobody builds "gritty" teams anymore. They build fast, talented teams and have a couple grittier guys sprinkled in. It's hardly a need. Their suffocating defensive skill and potent offense is much more a reason for them to be winning.
- JRoenick97

I agree that hitting isn't the big thing it is made out to be. I'd like to see the Hawks have more D that have size, as long as they stay mobile (for their size) and defend well with their sticks. To me, it is largely about reach (long arms + stick) and ability to jockey for position and getting sticks on sticks to prevent scoring chances.

I think they need to look at who is doing a good job defending the defensive blue line. One thing that was very noticeable this season, is the Hawks had success when they held their ground on opposing team zone entries. The most recent example I can remember is Jan 25th against Detroit. The Wings struggled to gain entry often and the Hawks really limited their chances. Wings aren't the strongest team, but I really hope they improve the D.

I thought he was misused from the about midway through his first season on. His first season, he was with Hanzal and Domi. That line drove possession (for a weak possession team) and you could tell the chemistry Domi and DuClair had together. You could see he needed help on the defensive side, and that he free lanced a bit. I think Tippett was the worst coach for him. He did though have an unreal shooting percentage which we knew was not going to be sustainable.

His second year, he started cold and then they stuck him on the 4th line with the likes of Richardson, Martinhook, insert garbage player here etc. Then there was the demotion and while he didn't tear it up in the AHL, they had completely torpedoed his confidence and it was almost done there. I thought he played well this year, but I am no scout and the coaches here couldn't stand how again, he free-lanced and had some defensive liabilities. But it's not like we have a 1C or anything close to that here that he can play with...

I think we gave up on him WAY too quick. You can't teach his kind of speed, and he does have a pretty good shot. He needs to be with someone like Toews, a decent offensive center who can set him up, but also cover for him a bit on the back end. I'll always think the Duclair trade was a give back for us basically stealing Hammer from you guys. Give him some time, and I think you will like what you see. With that veteran leadership there, they will get the best out of him once he learns the system...
- gmiel1980

I'd have to agree he does have the high end speed, good hands, and he is big enough to win board battles and be disruptive on the forecheck. His biggest issue thus far on the Hawks has been decision making with the puck. Trying to beat defenders 1v1 versus dumping the puck, passing instead of shooting, ect. However, he has been working hard along the boards, and I think has been most effective using his speed and size to disrupt defenders and create turnovers on the forecheck. Queneville has liked him from the start....he played PP1 and got some time with Toews in his first game and has been a lock on Toews RW ever since.

How has Panik been used and how has he played? Your thoughts on Richard Panik??

Speaking of Domi, what's the deal with him this year??

The first question the Hawks need to answer is this. Is Q the man to have behind the bench going forward? Lets see....

-Awful power play. Check
-Unprepared to start games. Check
-Coddling veterans with PP time who don't produce. Check
-Limited practice time during the season when your team is coming apart. Check
-Your big time players (19, 2, 7, 20) fall apart. Check
-Continually blowing up lines and destroying any/all chemistry for the team. Check
-Failing to alter your schemes to get the best out of your team. Check


When your team is this bad across the board, you have to look at the HC and his assistants. This summer we find out if we have a big boy GM who can make the correct decisions on how to fix this. Stan?! Go ask your team captains. Have you tuned out your HC? Q had great success in St. Louis and later Colorado, yet they decided to move on from him. It might be that time here in Chicago.

The first question the Hawks need to answer is this. Is Q the man to have behind the bench going forward? Lets see....

-Awful power play. Check
-Unprepared to start games. Check
-Coddling veterans with PP time who don't produce. Check
-Limited practice time during the season when your team is coming apart. Check
-Your big time players (19, 2, 7, 20) fall apart. Check
-Continually blowing up lines and destroying any/all chemistry for the team. Check
-Failing to alter your schemes to get the best out of your team. Check


When your team is this bad across the board, you have to look at the HC and his assistants. This summer we find out if we have a big boy GM who can make the correct decisions on how to fix this. Stan?! Go ask your team captains. Have you tuned out your HC? Q had great success in St. Louis and later Colorado, yet they decided to move on from him. It might be that time here in Chicago.
- z1990z

I don't disagree that they need to take a look at coaching and see WTF is going on, but your list is jsut an arbitrary list of things you perceive as bad. Dineen runs the PP and they've tried plenty of young guys on there as well.

I don't disagree that they need to take a look at coaching and see WTF is going on, but your list is jsut an arbitrary list of things you perceive as bad. Dineen runs the PP and they've tried plenty of young guys on there as well.
- JRoenick97

Disagree an arbitrary list as all of those things have been demonstrated repeatedly this year (and in years past).

If the PP got bad only after Dineen took it on, I'd say it sits 100% with him. The improvements we have seen recently (in some games) came after the players themselves and Dineen got together to shake up the PP units and the scheme (e.g., not playing Duncs on either unit). So, is the return to the old way and units on Dineen or Q?

I don't disagree that they need to take a look at coaching and see WTF is going on, but your list is jsut an arbitrary list of things you perceive as bad. Dineen runs the PP and they've tried plenty of young guys on there as well.
- JRoenick97

Yes, I know. That was a vent on some things. I really think this team needs a change behind the bench. The roster is ehhh I know, but we need a new set of eyes and ideas next year.

But the Pens' core didn't all go south.

Crosby - 11 games - 0 goals 13 assists = 13 points
Malkin - 11 games - 11 goals 6 assists = 17 points
Kessel - 11 games - 4 goals 9 assists - 13 points

Team - 41 goals in those 11 games

Even tho Sid wasn't scoring, he was piling up assists - and the rest of his team was scoring.

The whole Hawks' team only scored 21 in the last 11 games.
- StLBravesFan

Very few teams that could stack up to the Pens offensively in terms of pure talent at the top. Leagues #1 PP for the year and Kessel,Crosby, Malkin, top 3 in PP points for the entire league. It helps that 1/3 of Malkin's shots are finding the back of the net lately. Hawks can't match the talent of a team like the Pens big 3 offensively on the powerplay. Kane is the Hawks PP QB and hasn't had the best season in that regard either.

Yes, I know. That was a vent on some things. I really think this team needs a change behind the bench. The roster is ehhh I know, but we need a new set of eyes and ideas next year.
- z1990z

To 19, 2, 7 and 20 (and 88 the last week).....




I think a new coach may be able to do that.

I'd have to agree he does have the high end speed, good hands, and he is big enough to win board battles and be disruptive on the forecheck. His biggest issue thus far on the Hawks has been decision making with the puck. Trying to beat defenders 1v1 versus dumping the puck, passing instead of shooting, ect. However, he has been working hard along the boards, and I think has been most effective using his speed and size to disrupt defenders and create turnovers on the forecheck. Queneville has liked him from the start....he played PP1 and got some time with Toews in his first game and has been a lock on Toews RW ever since.

How has Panik been used and how has he played? Your thoughts on Richard Panik??

Speaking of Domi, what's the deal with him this year??
- EnzoD

They initially put Panik with Stepan and Perlini, which I was not a fan of. He does have some speed, but since Stepan is our de facto 1C, I thought it was a poor choice from our standpoint. The issue is that we don't have enough quality down the middle, and I think he is going to be lost because we have players playing higher in the line up than they need to be. My ideal for Panik would be a 3rd line role, where he can use his speed to get in on the fore check and work. He's been ok thus far, but he doesn't belong on the 1st line nor getting top PP time which was the case when he came in...

I honestly think Domi has just been unlucky this year. He is playing hard and the effort is there, but I can't begin to count how many posts he's hit or how many great saves goalies have made against him. That being said, they are playing him out of position as a center. They had him on a line with Keller and Stepan to start the year, and they were putting up good to great numbers. The problem was no other line was scoring so they split them up. I would love to get them back together as that is when Keller was scoring goals at nearly a goal a game level, Domi was putting up solid numbers and so was Stepan. It just all goes back to not having depth up the middle, and not having a true 1C

Yes, I know. That was a vent on some things. I really think this team needs a change behind the bench. The roster is ehhh I know, but we need a new set of eyes and ideas next year.
- z1990z

I'm not against dumping Q if the team isn't responding well. They'd have to ask the players on that one. I know Saad recently credited Q as being his most influential coach of his career. The young guys seem to be getting it, but not the older core. A new face could kick their asses in to gear.

Q is a great coach, but lots of great coaches get fired. Coaches get stale. That's just the nature of the NHL.

They initially put Panik with Stepan and Perlini, which I was not a fan of. He does have some speed, but since Stepan is our de facto 1C, I thought it was a poor choice from our standpoint. The issue is that we don't have enough quality down the middle, and I think he is going to be lost because we have players playing higher in the line up than they need to be. My ideal for Panik would be a 3rd line role, where he can use his speed to get in on the fore check and work. He's been ok thus far, but he doesn't belong on the 1st line nor getting top PP time which was the case when he came in...

I honestly think Domi has just been unlucky this year. He is playing hard and the effort is there, but I can't begin to count how many posts he's hit or how many great saves goalies have made against him. That being said, they are playing him out of position as a center. They had him on a line with Keller and Stepan to start the year, and they were putting up good to great numbers. The problem was no other line was scoring so they split them up. I would love to get them back together as that is when Keller was scoring goals at nearly a goal a game level, Domi was putting up solid numbers and so was Stepan. It just all goes back to not having depth up the middle, and not having a true 1C
- gmiel1980

Panik's ideal position is 3RW, without a doubt. He was Toews 1RW the last 2 years which shows how little depth the Hawks have had ever since they lifted the Cup in 2015.

Hawks are officially in #TankForTzchuk mode so Go Yotes tonight!!!

Disagree an arbitrary list as all of those things have been demonstrated repeatedly this year (and in years past).

If the PP got bad only after Dineen took it on, I'd say it sits 100% with him. The improvements we have seen recently (in some games) came after the players themselves and Dineen got together to shake up the PP units and the scheme (e.g., not playing Duncs on either unit). So, is the return to the old way and units on Dineen or Q?
- pdx2ord

This has been the major question on my mind regarding the coaches. Are the PP woes and lack of development on defense on Dineen and Ulf? Or are they actually good at developing players, drawing up strategy, etc. but they get vetoed by Q either right away or after a game or so of trying something new before reverting back to his own ways?

Management needs to get a pulse on that and make coaching decisions based on what they learn. Maybe they're already doing this? IMHO, there needs to be coaching changes whether that's Q or the assistants.

Btw, Don Granato was behind the bench during the last game. Was Dineen not there? Granato simply filling in for perhaps an ill Dineen or is there something brewing similar to the Q-Savard situation?

They initially put Panik with Stepan and Perlini, which I was not a fan of. He does have some speed, but since Stepan is our de facto 1C, I thought it was a poor choice from our standpoint. The issue is that we don't have enough quality down the middle, and I think he is going to be lost because we have players playing higher in the line up than they need to be. My ideal for Panik would be a 3rd line role, where he can use his speed to get in on the fore check and work. He's been ok thus far, but he doesn't belong on the 1st line nor getting top PP time which was the case when he came in...

I honestly think Domi has just been unlucky this year. He is playing hard and the effort is there, but I can't begin to count how many posts he's hit or how many great saves goalies have made against him. That being said, they are playing him out of position as a center. They had him on a line with Keller and Stepan to start the year, and they were putting up good to great numbers. The problem was no other line was scoring so they split them up. I would love to get them back together as that is when Keller was scoring goals at nearly a goal a game level, Domi was putting up solid numbers and so was Stepan. It just all goes back to not having depth up the middle, and not having a true 1C
- gmiel1980

If you sweet talk some of the posters here on the Hawks board, you can probly have Toews for a bag of pucks.

If you sweet talk some of the posters here on the Hawks board, you can probly have Toews for a bag of pucks.
- BlazinMike

As long as they take his full $10.5 mil cap hit, I'd settle for roll of tape.

Justin, I like the name of this blog, my sentiments exactly.

The times have changed in Blackhawks land. Gone are the days of needing to dump a salary to get under the cap so no need to sweeten deals to dump contracts; no more adding TT to a Bickell deal, for example, unless it makes sense over a longer horizon than the upcoming season.

That means the contracts of 7 and 19 are most likely going to be on the roster next season, along with a few others. It means needing to get value out of the lower contracts to make up for the gap in output versus salary for those two.

So a guy like AA basically plays to his salary; he's paid a market rate for his services. But on this team, he may not be as good of a fit as he was centering Panarin and Kane last year. They might consider moving him just to invest that cap space some place else, no criticism of AA or his salary, just a matter of priorities.

The Blackhawks need to add NHL level talent if they expect to compete next year. Given their assets, players, prospects, picks, cap space, I'm curious to see what they can do. It's a big challenge.

Looks bleak, but getting hot at the right time could always happen.

Anyone remember when the Kings barley made the playoffs and then ripped through the all those teams? That was fun stuff to watch.

Maybe the truth is the Hawks were a bit lucky to win 3 titles, maybe they one or two series they shouldn't have, maybe they got a break or two that gave them 3 Cups instead of one. You wouldn't think elite talent would be this bad so quickly.

Like seeing them in last. Just like most of the 1990s

New lines tonight and DBC has been kicked down to the 3rd line with Wingels and Bouma????? WTH Q

One of most consistent scoring threats of late and he gets bumped down to play with Wingels and Bouma. Okie Dokie

Their huge guys don't hit much. Girardi and Dochtin and the hit leaders and they are playing 16 minutes a night. Callahan and Kunitz have value outside of being gritty. My points is that nobody builds "gritty" teams anymore. They build fast, talented teams and have a couple grittier guys sprinkled in. It's hardly a need. Their suffocating defensive skill and potent offense is much more a reason for them to be winning.
- JRoenick97

By grittty I mean tough to play against. Not just hitting but being tough on the puck, eating up space on D, being tough to play against along the boards. Hawks lack this in the top 9. I don’t care nearly as much about hitting all the time. Timely hits are important though. Watch opposing D when the Hawks top 9 forecheck. D men just hold the puck and make a play they don’t worry about being hit.

This Hawks team is so easy to play against.

Maybe the truth is the Hawks were a bit lucky to win 3 titles, maybe they one or two series they shouldn't have, maybe they got a break or two that gave them 3 Cups instead of one. You wouldn't think elite talent would be this bad so quickly.

Like seeing them in last. Just like most of the 1990s
- VopatsRash

Every team that wins a cup needs a combo of talent and some luck.

Yep, Hawks had some dark days in the 90's. But, let's be honest, the Mustard Tigers just became relevant in the hockey world about three years ago. They'll disappear again soon.

New lines tonight and DBC has been kicked down to the 3rd line with Wingels and Bouma????? WTH Q

One of most consistent scoring threats of late and he gets bumped down to play with Wingels and Bouma. Okie Dokie
- z1990z

Kind of odd.

However, Bouma had a great game on Saturday.

Yes, I know. That was a vent on some things. I really think this team needs a change behind the bench. The roster is ehhh I know, but we need a new set of eyes and ideas next year.
- z1990z

Notice how Q does not get directly involved in time outs, discussions with officials, talking to players on the bench, etc like other head coaches. Oh, once in a blue moon he will stand on the bench and bring his blood pressure up a few points. I often wonder how much on ice calls are influenced by direct head coach involvement.
It seems as if the team has become as laid back as Q. It should not be the sole role of assistants to direct strategy and motivate the players.

Maybe the truth is the Hawks were a bit lucky to win 3 titles, maybe they one or two series they shouldn't have, maybe they got a break or two that gave them 3 Cups instead of one. You wouldn't think elite talent would be this bad so quickly.

Like seeing them in last. Just like most of the 1990s
- VopatsRash

Like most of the 90s? Maybe google that before posting. Hawks made the playoffs from 90-97. Most of the 90s. Now the first decade of the 2000s is a different story. Thanks for confirming you know very little about hockey!