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?
- BetweenTheDots

No.

Jury is definitely still out on Colliton, particularly re: his D scheme, but for now, I'll go with what our best player and arguably biggest student of the game, said in his most recent interview:

The Blackhawks fired coach Joel Quenneville, the second-winningest coach in NHL history, on Nov. 6, and replaced him with then-33-year-old Jeremy Colliton; for a league obsessed with youth, this felt like the Blackhawks making an overt effort to reach their Generation Z players. For a veteran like Kane, it was met with incredulity.

"Especially when you hear Joel was fired, a lot of us were shocked, maybe pissed off," Kane says. "Jeremy doesn't really have a ton of experience coaching. He did a couple years in Sweden, one year in Rockford, so there's always a little skepticism. But where we're at now, we have a lot of belief in him."

Kane describes this season as "weird." He (and the team) started off hot, but he says he "went into a lull for like 18, 20 games after Joel got fired, I personally wasn't playing very well."

Kane says once he began hearing Colliton talk about his vision for the team, he was all-in.

"His communication is unbelievable," Kane says. "He checks in on you every day. Every day. It's a lot different. Joel was just a presence. He would talk to us, but it was more, 'Go out and play and do your thing.' With Jeremy, he always wants to know what you're thinking, which I think is pretty cool. He's got a great demeanor, too. He's calm when things aren't going well, he's enthusiastic, and to the point."

I'll also give credit for things that have improved since the coaching swap, roster warts and all:
- our PP was brought back from the dead (it had a years-long slumber) and is consistently producing results
- the players are making a more noticeable effort every night
- the players seem to understand and accept their respective roles and the roster decisions made each game
- the players seem to want to win for each other and truly enjoy playing together
- the players continue fighting to the end of the game, regardless of score or place in the standings
- a team that fell to dead last is all of a sudden in playoff hunt and, most importantly, isn't giving up (like last year)

Now, some of those things don't automatically translate to the scoresheet or wins, BUT without them, I can promise the organization would be struggling even more. It's true in sports and in every other business.

And...... IRONMAN

He then played in every regular season game in the next 11 consecutive seasons with the Blackhawks as well as 109 postseason outings. His 884 iron-man streak in the regular season is the third longest in NHL history, behind Doug Jarvis's record of 964 and Garry Unger's 914.
- mrpaulish

I remember going to Larmer's first pre-season game at the Stadium and the other top prospect rookie was Steve Ludzik. As I watched the game I thought holy ship this Larmer guy is horrible, can't skate, no speed, no excitement, and never had a shot on goal. Ludzik on the other hand was flyin all over the ice and laying hits on everybody....and of course I thought he was going to be the great player. DEAD WRONG !!

Steve Larmer was one of the best snipers I've ever seen, always getting that snap shot of his under the bar...and playing with Savard and Secord in the wild barn was a great era of Blackhawk Hockey.

YES his 28 should absolutely be up in the rafters. Thanks for the memories Grandpaw.

Agree
No kidding- it was a great game
Thx for reminding us !
- Colbyboy

What was great about it? That the Hawks gave up a bunch of avoidable goals, in the most meaningful game they have played in two seasons, and lost? A great game can be a loss but only if the losing team plays smart, hard hockey but just gets bested that night. A great game is not one where the losing team invents ways to give the game away.

No.
- Z3Hawk

Yes. Utilizing the boards more to his advantage, and no more releases or passes to the middle under pressure. I hear what you're saying. Still remains a major liability, though.

Preach brother! You can’t promote a guy to HC of an NHL Original 6 team with zero experience as an NHL Assistant or HC. Huge fail by Stan. I’ve said it before, JC will not be the HC when the Blackhawks are again contending for the Stanley Cup.

Historically, the best HC in all sports are guys who have gotten fired at least once. Belichick got fired in Cleveland, he’s now one of the greatest coaches in sports history. Pete Carroll got fired in NE, and has done well in SEA. Q was an assistant, and was fired before winning 3x with the Hawks.

The NHL is not the place to have a HC out which end is up. JC’s strategy seems to be playing KANE 25+ minutes a night, and hope he scores a couple.
- scottak

I will continue to preach Brother Scottak!

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?

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.
- Z3Hawk

I agree with STM33 that Caggiula is not a top 6 forward, IMHO, in the sense that he really isn't capable of putting up top 6 stats if he played away from Toews and Kane. He complements them by providing space and havoc for them.

That skill set is also a hallmark of a bottom 6 player as well. The lack of offensive output with this skill set alludes to the ability to play any line whenever needed and be effective on that line today and just as effective on another line tomorrow. Much like Shaw.

Not a bad thing at all to keep Caggiula playing 1st line for now but if the Hawks can find at least one new top 6 winger, then that would slot players appropriately. Then if there's an injury in the top 6, slotting Caggiula as a sub for X amount of games isn't going to kill the team because he has proven he can keep up and contribute.

Getting a new 1st line winger would allow for Caggiula to play bottom 6 and either Saad or Kahun to play up:

Saad/New Guy - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - Kahun/New Guy

This is where solidifying the 3rd line could be the pivotal factor. Do you build around Saad on the 3rd line? Upgrade from Anisimov as 3C? Retain both and get them an experienced winger?

ROSTER MOVE: The #Blackhawks⁠ ⁠ have re-assigned defenseman Henri Jokiharju to the Rockford IceHogs.

I agree with STM33 that Caggiula is not a top 6 forward, IMHO, in the sense that he really isn't capable of putting up top 6 stats if he played away from Toews and Kane. He complements them by providing space and havoc for them.

That skill set is also a hallmark of a bottom 6 player as well. The lack of offensive output with this skill set alludes to the ability to play any line whenever needed and be effective on that line today and just as effective on another line tomorrow. Much like Shaw.

Not a bad thing at all to keep Caggiula playing 1st line for now but if the Hawks can find at least one new top 6 winger, then that would slot players appropriately. Then if there's an injury in the top 6, slotting Caggiula as a sub for X amount of games isn't going to kill the team because he has proven he can keep up and contribute.

Getting a new 1st line winger would allow for Caggiula to play bottom 6 and either Saad or Kahun to play up:

Saad/New Guy - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - Kahun/New Guy

This is where solidifying the 3rd line could be the pivotal factor. Do you build around Saad on the 3rd line? Upgrade from Anisimov as 3C? Retain both and get them an experienced winger?
- AEL_Fox

Dzingel Toews Kane

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.
- Z3Hawk

The best way to learn is from mistakes, and K and D are both young in regards to NHL games played. I was skeptical about K but he's not bad just raw. I understand expecting the best but it really is unrealistic with a young team.

It doesn't help that Seabrook is out as well, can't believe im saying that but after watching this team without him it's true.

1st goal on breakaway 5 hole, last goal on breakaway off the crossbar, off the leg and in? It's not the goalie it's the lapses in defense and turnovers.

So you criticize Q now JC?

ROSTER MOVE: The #Blackhawks⁠ ⁠ have re-assigned defenseman Henri Jokiharju to the Rockford IceHogs.
- mrpaulish

He needs to be up. I have had enough of the Forsling experiment.

Nick Jenson signs 4 years - 10 million
Another shrewd move by the Caps Management team

ROSTER MOVE: The #Blackhawks⁠ ⁠ have re-assigned defenseman Henri Jokiharju to the Rockford IceHogs.
- mrpaulish

Don't get it. Maybe more interest in Forsling from other GM's than initially reported?

Jury is definitely still out on Colliton, particularly re: his D scheme, but for now, I'll go with what our best player and arguably biggest student of the game, said in his most recent interview:



I'll also give credit for things that have improved since the coaching swap, roster warts and all:
- our PP was brought back from the dead (it had a years-long slumber) and is consistently producing results
- the players are making a more noticeable effort every night
- the players seem to understand and accept their respective roles and the roster decisions made each game
- the players seem to want to win for each other and truly enjoy playing together
- the players continue fighting to the end of the game, regardless of score or place in the standings
- a team that fell to dead last is all of a sudden in playoff hunt and, most importantly, isn't giving up (like last year)

Now, some of those things don't automatically translate to the scoresheet or wins, BUT without them, I can promise the organization would be struggling even more. It's true in sports and in every other business.
- pdx2ord

Great post. I am one to agree that Colliton is a leading factor for the team's turn around. One theory is that pride and sick of losing were factors. Don't agree with that, TBH. If that was the case, then the turn around would have happened 1-2 years ago after being swept by the Predators in Round 1 or after missing the playoffs altogether the next year.

Colliton has his growth curve as an NHL head coach and I do question some of his decision making, but all in all, I am generally happy with what he has been able to do so far and look forward to next year.

Would be interested in knowing if Granato will be moved to different role next season and give Colliton an extra opportunity to select another of his own assistants.

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?
- z1990z

Nope...... but I've been wrong before (Larmer)

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?
- z1990z

I hope not. Please no rentals for this group! He's a nice player, but why not just sign him in the off season instead of giving up futures? The Hawks aren't a middle six forward away from anything. If they were to do something at the deadline, it should be for a youngish veteran defenseman.

well said. It is healthy to balance the emotion of today vs history to put things in proper perspective.

It is also important to point out that in most sports leagues' for all Chicago teams there are 30 odd teams striving for the same goal. Frustrating as a fan. The 80s as a Bears fan, the 90s as a bulls fan and the 10s as Hawk fans. Chicago Fans are blessed to have enjoyed competitive eras in multi sports.
- TrueGrit

It most certainly has been the "Golden Era" for Chicago sports

https://chicago.suntimes....championships-since-1990/

The best way to learn is from mistakes, and K and D are both young in regards to NHL games played. I was skeptical about K but he's not bad just raw. I understand expecting the best but it really is unrealistic with a young team.

It doesn't help that Seabrook is out as well, can't believe im saying that but after watching this team without him it's true.

1st goal on breakaway 5 hole, last goal on breakaway off the crossbar, off the leg and in? It's not the goalie it's the lapses in defense and turnovers.

So you criticize Q now JC?
- BetweenTheDots

One thing you notice at times about Delia is he doesn't make himself look big in the crease. I have no real problem with him, but he is goaltender that needs far more reps at the AHL level if he is going to be a #1. NHL shooters don't take long to exploit weaknesses. And that can destroy confidence, e.g. Anton Forsberg

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?
- z1990z

Now - no

Summer - yes

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

Not to mention AGAIN the slow reaction of Gus to get to the middle of the ice from his right point to at least make an attempt to cut off the rush. The pass was a prayer first of all, but Gus needs to show some urgency to help his fellow dman out there.

While some of Coliton's moves are curious, who are we to determine if he's capable of coaching an NHL team? Quenneville, one of the most accomplished coaches of all time, wasn't able to do much with the group you are complaining about. As you pointed out the defensive ranks are pretty bare. With the exception of Keith none are second pairing defensemen, they'd all be in the third pairing or the AHL on a good NHL team. Also the goaltending is average at best with some hope Delia can develop into an NHL calibre goaltender.

While Coliton doesn't have much with work with on the backend he has some serious firepower up front. So he coaches to that strength and has the team play a high risk, high reward game of pond hockey where the Hawks try to outscore the opponent while not being able to take care of their own zone. As we saw last night, the high risk, high reward game became high risk, no reward because defensive lapses and poor goaltending resulted in a loss in a game the Hawks were in control of.

There isn't a coach anywhere that can get much out of this Hawk team. There are just too many players who aren't NHL calibre. The saying "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken poop" applies here.
- paulr

Well it is easy for Colliton to make the grade if you have no expectations for him. He has made terrible decision after terrible decision. Colliton actually said earlier in the year that he could live with Gus giving up a goal a game (at least). Well I can’t - that is ridiculous. Gus is still a D-Man. He is 27, he is not going to learn anything AND he doesn’t want to learn anything. He is caught up-ice constantly. I don’t care at all about his offence/PP. A D-Man who can’t and/or refuses to play D is useless.

Starting Delia, who is presently shell-shocked, in the biggest game that the Hawks have played in two seasons was ludicrous. Of course he was awful.

It goes on and on. Kampf hadn’t scored in 100 games but the only way he was going to be removed from the line-up was injury. Dahlstrom gives no indication that he has any idea where to position himself on the ice. Also like Gus he is simply allergic to physical contact. However, they play and play because they are “Colliton Boys”.

There is no evidence whatsoever that any other team rated Colliton HC material. We fired the longest tenured HC in the NHL and hired a Coach who just a short time previous was being paid in Swedish Beer Coupons.

I hope that the Hawks go after Dzingel, and Wennberg.

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?
- z1990z

Only if its a sign and trade type of scernio then i could see that happening.

Anyone thinking Stan takes a swing at trading for Dzingel?
- z1990z

Why? He’ll be here for free in the summer