Tough loss last night. Hawks could have won. I Really like this team warts and all. Fun to watch Think Anisimov and Saad are making a very good third line.

I can tell you what it doesn’t include. Coaching 4 years in the Tier 2 Swedish league where your team finished 6th, 6th, 7th & finally, 1st. So it took him 4 years to turn around a bunch of quasi-hockey players, so he’s qualified to then coach in the NHL?

He’s a lost little boy, competing with men.
- scottak

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...

They are playing hard - not quitting on games - certainly running out two and a half scoring lines - winning record over the last 30 games (17-9-4=38) with a very flawed roster - he’s put players like AdB, Strome, Caggiula, Saad in positions to succeed....

Can’t really complain, hoping that somehow he can get them off to better starts in games - get them to stop all of the skating in confusion by all six on the ice in the d-zone - perhaps use Jokiharju more than 7 minutes total (and the fourth line less than 5 minutes total)....

Hopefully a talent infusion next season - and a full training camp - will help.
- StLBravesFan

good points StL

They are playing hard - not quitting on games - certainly running out two and a half scoring lines - winning record over the last 30 games (17-9-4=38) with a very flawed roster - he’s put players like AdB, Strome, Caggiula, Saad in positions to succeed....

Can’t really complain, hoping that somehow he can get them off to better starts in games - get them to stop all of the skating in confusion by all six on the ice in the d-zone - perhaps use Jokiharju more than 7 minutes total (and the fourth line less than 5 minutes total)....

Hopefully a talent infusion next season - and a full training camp - will help.
- StLBravesFan

Very flawed roster is bang on - serious contenders for the NHL playoffs are not forced to dress guys like Sikura, Kunitz, Hayden, Delia, Forsling and to a lesser extent Kruger.

But the effort was there and the game was fun and exciting to watch.

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...
- TrueGrit

On the other hand:

38 points in 30 games with most of them being without expectations and without much pressure to win - maybe “just play loose and let’s see what happens”.

Let’s see how Colliton’s lads can play - and how well the Coach can lead them to play - under the pressure of having something to play for.

The next contingent of games will be effectively playoff games.

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...
- TrueGrit

One way to look at it is, some other coaches got their start in their mid-30s. Not saying it JC will come in automatically win for Stanley cups in a row but I’m willing to give the kid a chance to grow. I don’t think this management is going to put up with maybe just a season or two of what you would call growing pains if they noticed it wasn’t going anywhere. With that being said on another Note Regarding Coach Q, if Winnipeg does not make a deep run this year, that head coaching job has his name all over it come next summer. JMO.

Very flawed roster is bang on - serious contenders for the NHL playoffs are not forced to dress guys like Sikura, Kunitz, Hayden, Delia, Forsling and to a lesser extent Kruger.

But the effort was there and the game was fun and exciting to watch.
- RickJ

This is such a problem on this board. Everyone complaining about role players and fourth liners, the mention of ONE D-man, a guy who really hasn't played that much. The problem with this team is NOT Chris Kunitz (who I admit shouldn't be playing), but the entire defense period.

On the other hand:

38 points in 30 games with most of them being without expectations and without much pressure to win - maybe “just play loose and let’s see what happens”.

Let’s see how Colliton’s lads can play - and how well the Coach can lead them to play - under the pressure of having something to play for.

The next contingent of games will be effectively playoff games.
- StLBravesFan

I will argue in that room they have been playing and coaching like that for the last month plus.

Do you think it just dawned on them the other day that they have a shot to make the playoffs? I ask respectfully.

When is CC back?

Could be a big deadline pick up!

Could have used him last night

One way to look at it is, some other coaches got their start in their mid-30s. Not saying it JC will come in automatically win for Stanley cups in a row but I’m willing to give the kid a chance to grow. I don’t think this management is going to put up with maybe just a season or two of what you would call growing pains if they noticed it wasn’t going anywhere. With that being said on another Note Regarding Coach Q, if Winnipeg does not make a deep run this year, that head coaching job has his name all over it come next summer. JMO.
- wonthecup10

Good for Winnipeg and good for Hawks, he will pump the brakes on that team, cast off good skaters and try to bring Brunnette, Desjardins, and Brookbank out of retirement.

That will quickly bring them back to the middle of the pack in our division, indirectly helping hawks.

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...
- TrueGrit

I mean watching them in their own zone they look more lost lol.

Q is arguably one of the best coaches ever. I don't think it's a Q vs JC thing. The horrid roster decisions and questionable contacts are on the front office.

But while i do think the m2m is real dumb and the treatment of young Henri confusing, I think they to have to give the guy 2 full seasons unless they literally fire everyone. Some stuff better some stuff worse and either at the bottom or digging for a playoff spot has provided entertainment.

Its nice to see a new type of coach that isn't a retread or traditional hockey guy like what they tried to do in Edmonton or with the Ducks or whatever. Id rather see them continue to give JC the benefit of the doubt over next year and the one after then go get a "hockey" "proven" "cliche" guy.

Good for Winnipeg and good for Hawks, he will pump the brakes on that team, cast off good skaters and try to bring Brunnette, Desjardins, and Brookbank out of retirement.

That will quickly bring them back to the middle of the pack in our division, indirectly helping hawks.
- TrueGrit

Hahahahah ,oh boy! All right then.......!

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...
- TrueGrit

To be fair, Q was "NHL .500" with this team when he was fired and JC is one under at this point, so not much to choose from there. The additions of Strome, Caggiula, and Koekkoek along with the returns of Forsling and Murphy from injury have made for a much different (improved IMO) roster for JC, but I think it's fair to question how any or all of these guys may have been utilized by Q.

I do agree JC has them playing hard and the power play has been a lot of fun to watch, but his defensive system has been a train wreck with many defensively inept forwards and mostly slow defensemen attempting to chase the puck. They just hemorrhage high danger chances against, and until that improves, I just don't see any realistic chance to win consistently.

They are playing hard - not quitting on games - certainly running out two and a half scoring lines - winning record over the last 30 games (17-9-4=38) with a very flawed roster - he’s put players like AdB, Strome, Caggiula, Saad in positions to succeed....

Can’t really complain, hoping that somehow he can get them off to better starts in games - get them to stop all of the skating in confusion by all six on the ice in the d-zone - perhaps use Jokiharju more than 7 minutes total (and the fourth line less than 5 minutes total)....

Hopefully a talent infusion next season - and a full training camp - will help.
- StLBravesFan

I am loving the effort I see out there. I loved the atmosphere last night at the UC. It really did feel like a playoff game (which it sort of was). I think that playing in that atmosphere is important - to remind the vets and teach the youngins. And it was great as a fan.

I do think that you can enjoy the ride and at the same time recognize that there is an argument to be made that making playoffs might not be the best thing for the team’s future. I don’t dismiss either out of hand and am trying to work both of them so that I will be okay either way.

If you are watching these games and can’t see how entertaining they are then I wonder whether you should reconsider watching hockey at all.

EDIT: I agree with a lot of what davewn said about Q/Colliton. I think comparing the two coaches is not fair to either of them. I’m reserving my opinion/analysis of Colliton until I see what he does with a full off season of planning and a full training camp and preseason to teach his systems. I am enjoying the PP and offense a great deal, the defense (or lack thereof by both Damen and forwards), not so much.

Help me reconcile this....

last 30 games (17-9-4=38)

Are there other lost little boys? Or does that only apply to original 6 teams?

Q did not have a run like that for last year and a half coaching. Oh the irony...and the stubborn facts...
- TrueGrit

Well, there was that league record undefeated streak. I forgot, who was the coach of that team?

DENVER (AP) — The best start in N.H.L. history is over. The Chicago Blackhawks finally left the ice without a point.

The Blackhawks were stunned, 6-2, by the struggling Colorado Avalanche on Friday night. It was their first loss in regulation and ended a remarkable run in which they earned at least one point in their first 24 games, a league record.

Matt Duchene scored four points and Ryan O’Reilly got his first goal since his contract dispute was resolved more than a week ago. O’Reilly assisted on another goal in a four-goal onslaught in the second period that turned a 1-1 tie into a laugher. The crowd chanted, “End of streak! End of streak!” over the final minutes.

The Blackhawks (21-1-3) had not lost in regulation since a 6-1 rout by Nashville on March 25, 2012, and their last loss in regulation on the road came more than a year ago, with a 5-1 defeat at St. Louis on March 6, 2012.

Tough loss last night. Hawks could have won. I Really like this team warts and all. Fun to watch Think Anisimov and Saad are making a very good third line.
- HamiltonHawk

Definitely was a game they could have won. The chances they gave off the rush were a problem, but they were in it if they could have cashed in on chances. Varly was dialed in and that made the difference.

Here is a fun comparable

Anze Kopitar GP 59 - 17G 27A 44 Points
Dylan Strome GP 58 - 16G 27A 43 Points

One of them makes 10 million per year...

Strome being on an ELC is a real boost to the Hawks. Building the roster is going to be tougher once they have to pay Strome, DeBrincat, etc..

No, I'm not saying Strome will get 10 million AAV, but after next season, things will get tougher. I have to wonder if Stan might sign more short term guys on 1 year deals this summer, just to see what noise they can make next season before they have to cut back.

What's the deal with Evan Barrette? I see that he has fallen in the college scoring race and his name is not appearing in Penn State scoring summaries. Injured?
- 67hawks

IIRC, a week or so ago Barratt got an elbow to the face, left the game, and I believe hasn't returned since. Haven't read up on what exactly the injury was or even if there is another reason he has been out.

Definitely was a game they could have won. The chances they gave off the rush were a problem, but they were in it if they could have cashed in on chances. Varly was dialed in and that made the difference.
- breadbag

I completely agree, I'm still puzzled at how long it took Koekkoek to realize he had made a bad pass and move defensively. Hopefully he learns from this and can react quicker to a bad turnover

Definitely was a game they could have won. The chances they gave off the rush were a problem, but they were in it if they could have cashed in on chances. Varly was dialed in and that made the difference.
- breadbag

In a league where about 1/4 of all games go to OT - and another quarter are one-goal games (or two goal games with an ENG) - most games are games that could have been won by either team.

It’s the nature of a low scoring sport.

Tough loss last night. Hawks could have won. I Really like this team warts and all. Fun to watch Think Anisimov and Saad are making a very good third line.
- HamiltonHawk

agree, all of a sudden I'm liking the third line

A subtle thing I've noticed now in the past couple of weeks, Gusto not turning the puck over in his zone as much or just giving it up, progress?

That's a joke. No one has or is saying Caggiula is a top 3 or even a top 6 player on the team. What he has done since being put on the top line is fit and play his role very effectively. Fighting on the boards, playing relentlessly going after the puck, going to the front of the net, clearing space for both Kane and Toews to be freed up to make plays and score goals as they both are doing VERY well this year. Caggiula "doing the dirty work" is allowing them to continue produce at the higher level that we all wanted them to play at.

The days of the Hawks having an All-Star stacked Top 9 and Top 4 are OVER. The days of being a super stacked elite team are OVER. However, that doesn't mean we need to completely blow the team up as some seem to think. They don't suck enough to get a top draft pick. Not with the five guys we got right now and our secondary scoring. So those who want us to tank its out the window. Ain't gonna happen.

What this team can do is develop and find some good talent to surround Kane, Toews, Cat, Strome, and Saad and improve the backend by adding in a piece or two AND developing the guys we have while the build chemistry together playing JC's system. Successfully doing so would allow for the Hawks to be a Playoff team (this is goal the team should ALWAYS be shooting for) and have a chance to compete every year. Ya can't win the Cup if you don't get it. As we've all seen ya never know what can happen when you do get in especially when you have a core of elite players at the front of it
- Savetheembers33

You confirm that Cagguila is not top 3 or top 6. That is the beginning, middle and end of the story. How many superlative forwards do you believe the Hawks had in the Cup years? Go back and look - they did not have 12 and then picked the top 6 from there. The Hawks gave Cagguila a chance with Kane and Toews. It looked like Cagguila may be an uncovered diamond in the rough that Edmonton messed up. However, he has hit a wall. Saad IS a top 6 forward - is independently scoring right now.

Hawks have Kane, Toews, DeBrincat, Strome, Saad and Kahun to fill the top 6 until someone new arrives or steps forward. That is pretty competetive in comparison to other teams. Cagguila is a different kind of Sikura but at the end of the day you gotta say we need you to be productive.

An absolute killer slate of hockey games on tap today. The Mustard Men at home vs. the Avs. A little help here please?

Hurricane HELP in Big D, too!

Just for fun, I'd be more than okay with the Habs knocking off the highly touted Leafs. Don't have a dog in this fight other than the Leafs think they're really good. Have gotten a little cocky. Sorry, you're just better than average.

I completely agree, I'm still puzzled at how long it took Koekkoek to realize he had made a bad pass and move defensively. Hopefully he learns from this and can react quicker to a bad turnover
- BetweenTheDots

Both D-Men were awful on that play. The pass itself by Koekoek was a clear indicatiom that the team is not well-coached. On other teams this type of pass would not be considered early in a meaningless game let alone late in a tied crucial game. Gus, of course, not thinking about defending at all, which is what Gus does, is caught flat-footed up-ice. Game just thrown out the window needlessly. Of course Delia, who has crumbled under the pressure lately and been pulled and should not have started, backs in and leaves the entire net open for the goal. Another great Colliton decision.