I know, I know. Just made my stomach turn when I saw Gus and Bobby Orr in the same sentence haha
- Hawks_49

Actually it looks like bogiedoc made a typo and called him "Booby Orr". New nickname for Gus?

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.
- scottak

Hey buddy, those were good times, but when I looked at the calendar this morning it said 2019.

From Lazerus article just posted on The Athletic:

Kudos to Colliton for not sugarcoating it, and he very much seems to be a man with the courage of his convictions — no easy thing as a rookie coach. But it’s hard to reconcile that statement with both the numbers and the eye test. Dahlstrom had a promising start to his season, but has taken a step back lately. Slater Koekkoek has been playing well, but his ghastly turnover in the offensive zone Friday night was immediately turned into the game-winning goal by the Avalanche. Gustav Forsling has struggled mightily for much of the season, and it’s nigh impossible to justify him getting 15-18 minutes a night while Jokiharju languishes in the American Hockey League.

As one Western Conference scout told me, “Jokiharju might be the best defenseman they have, even if that’s not saying much.”

Ouch.

Statistically speaking, Jokiharju is the best shot-suppressor in the organization. His CA/60 (Corsi Against per 60 minutes on the ice) is 54.3. For comparison’s sake, Brent Seabrook’s is 64.27. His stick work is second only to Duncan Keith. His offensive instincts are surpassed only by Keith and Erik Gustafsson. He can move the puck. He can handle himself in his own end. He can play big minutes. Jokiharju might be a better option on the second power-play unit than Keith. Again, he’s nowhere near perfect, and he’s had his share of bad nights and mistakes. He is a teenager, after all. But on this roster, statistically the second-worst defense in the NHL, he belongs in the lineup every night.

From The Athletic.

It’s no surprise the Blackhawks re-assigned Henri Jokiharju to the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday. Considering he played just 9:14 on Friday night, it was apparent the Blackhawks viewed him as simply an emergency call-up rather than someone who could potentially stay up. It was Jokiharju’s career-low NHL ice time. His lowest ice time before that was 12:55, which was what he played in his last game before being sent to Rockford.

Despite the limited minutes Friday, Jokiharju performed well. In 5-on-5 play, he was on the ice for 15 shot attempts for and nine assists and eight shots on goal for and five against. He was on the ice for one goal against, which came on Koekkoek’s turnover.

If the Hawks are, actually, trying to win and make the playoffs, shouldn’t they be playing the best 6 defensemen? I believe if you are driving positive possession, you are part of the solution, not the problem.
- scottak

Asked and answered above....

From Lazerus article just posted on The Athletic:

Kudos to Colliton for not sugarcoating it, and he very much seems to be a man with the courage of his convictions — no easy thing as a rookie coach. But it’s hard to reconcile that statement with both the numbers and the eye test. Dahlstrom had a promising start to his season, but has taken a step back lately. Slater Koekkoek has been playing well, but his ghastly turnover in the offensive zone Friday night was immediately turned into the game-winning goal by the Avalanche. Gustav Forsling has struggled mightily for much of the season, and it’s nigh impossible to justify him getting 15-18 minutes a night while Jokiharju languishes in the American Hockey League.

As one Western Conference scout told me, “Jokiharju might be the best defenseman they have, even if that’s not saying much.”

Ouch.

Statistically speaking, Jokiharju is the best shot-suppressor in the organization. His CA/60 (Corsi Against per 60 minutes on the ice) is 54.3. For comparison’s sake, Brent Seabrook’s is 64.27. His stick work is second only to Duncan Keith. His offensive instincts are surpassed only by Keith and Erik Gustafsson. He can move the puck. He can handle himself in his own end. He can play big minutes. Jokiharju might be a better option on the second power-play unit than Keith. Again, he’s nowhere near perfect, and he’s had his share of bad nights and mistakes. He is a teenager, after all. But on this roster, statistically the second-worst defense in the NHL, he belongs in the lineup every night.
- scottak

Asked and answered above.

Hey buddy, those were good times, but when I looked at the calendar this morning it said 2019.
- TrueGrit

The only way JC gets in the Hockey HOF is if he buys a ticket. Check out my post just below to see what a scout thinks about Joki being sent down by JC.

The only way JC gets in the Hockey HOF is if he buys a ticket. Check out my post just below to see what a scout thinks about Joki being sent down by JC.
- scottak

He was sent down by JC, was he? Somebody tell Stan.....

He was sent down by JC, was he? Somebody tell Stan.....
- mohel

Well, it was JC being quoted saying that’s where he belongs. So there’s that.

Still waiting for a name, this whole answer is a cop out, its okay to say, i don't know.
- BetweenTheDots

Well I hire also, and sometimes you recognize you have someone that you recognize the potential, and all they are missing is the opportunity.New employees without experience are willing to learn and work hard to prove that they deserve the job. They will go the extra mile and compensate for their inexperience. An experienced candidate will be knowledgeable but sometimes it would be difficult for them to adapt to changes. They are not flexible. An inexperienced person will be flexible and adapt. They can tolerate what direction the organization is going because they will be more open-minded. They are eager to learn new skills and will humbly take advice from their employers. An experienced employee can be difficult to curb when they are used to certain procedures.

nexperienced employees can be a blessing in disguise. Inexperienced employees will be innovative and bring in fresh ideas. They are young and enthusiastic. They may be the person you need to take your organization to the next level.

Well, it was JC as being quoted saying that’s where he belongs. So there’s that.
- scottak

Yeah, prolly was all him without organizational input. After all, the guy's not a big prospect or anything.

Disagree all you want, but alleging that they don't know which of their defensemen are better than the others is silly. It is about playing the best guys now versus the long-term development of the Joker. They've chosen to put developing him ahead of this year's results - they think the best thing for him in the long run is to be in Rockford.

Yeah, prolly was all him without organizational input. After all, the guy's not a big prospect or anything.

Disagree all you want, but alleging that they don't know which of their defensemen are better than the others is silly. It is about playing the best guys now versus the long-term development of the Joker. They've chosen to put developing him ahead of this year's results - they think the best thing for him in the long run is to be in Rockford.
- mohel

Well, then McD can cut his BS about ‘this is a playoff team’. Playoff teams play their best players. If it’s not about making the playoffs, but developing players, then say so.

And, interestingly, Joki was part of the NHL roster when he said this was a playoff team.

They can’t have it both ways.

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.
- Z3Hawk

STL help me again...

17-9-4 over last 30?

For those not getting this and who never will. How bout break out your Stanley Cup One Goal videos from yesteryear and drift off into nostalgia.

Well, then McD can cut his BS about ‘this is a playoff team’. Playoff teams play their best players. If it’s not about making the playoffs, but developing players, then say so.

And, interestingly, Joki was part of the NHL roster when he said this was a playoff team.

They can’t have it both ways.
- scottak

Is it hard to figure out why they're not saying so? Really? And they'd be happy to make the playoffs, but not at what they feel is hindering the development of a big prospect.

The only way JC gets in the Hockey HOF is if he buys a ticket. Check out my post just below to see what a scout thinks about Joki being sent down by JC.
- scottak

The only way Q gets to watch a game at the UC is to buy a ticket as well.

Again, we have this past, present and future dystopia going on. I am not worried about JC becoming a HOF coach. I would be in my 80s when that might happen.

I am just concerned about today and this season, since this is all we really have.

Hawks won 9 of 11 without Yoki. What does Scout say about that?

The only way Q gets to watch a game at the UC is to buy a ticket as well.

Again, we have this past, present and future dystopia going on. I am not worried about JC becoming a HOF coach. I would be in my 80s when that might happen.

I am just concerned about today and this season, since this is all we really have.

Hawks won 9 of 11 without Yoki. What does Scout say about that?
- TrueGrit

Wow, I thought it was only Tanner that took a small specific sample to prove his point. He’s underwater in his NHL head coaching career.

Is it hard to figure out why they're not saying so? Really? And they'd be happy to make the playoffs, but not at what they feel is hindering the development of a big prospect.
- mohel

So, you are saying McD was lying? He did not say they’d be happy to make the playoffs. He said they are a playoff team.

Well, it was JC being quoted saying that’s where he belongs. So there’s that.
- scottak

Also it is JC who only gave Joki 9 minute of icetime against the Avs. Q was more wiling to give the kid minutes and JC hasn't felt the same way.

So, you are saying McD was lying? He did not say they’d be happy to make the playoffs. He said they are a playoff team.
- scottak

Allrighy, then. I'm not here to talk you out of your strong dislike for whatever or whoever it is. Just saying that your guy Scott knows - and you should, too - exactly why Joki was sent down. And the organization not recognizing he might be good enough to play some minutes right now is absolutely not the reason.

Also it is JC who only gave Joki 9 minute of icetime against the Avs. Q was more wiling to give the kid minutes and JC hasn't felt the same way.
- breadbag

So, the rookie head coach is making that decision without input from the front office. C'mon. This crap is why this joint is called the Board of Doom.

Yeah, prolly was all him without organizational input. After all, the guy's not a big prospect or anything.

Disagree all you want, but alleging that they don't know which of their defensemen are better than the others is silly. It is about playing the best guys now versus the long-term development of the Joker. They've chosen to put developing him ahead of this year's results - they think the best thing for him in the long run is to be in Rockford.
- mohel

I couldn't agree more BUT some people want the best of everything in the present moment and worry less about tomorrow. That is not really wrong; it is just a matter of what you emphasize is most important

Guess what: the GM is building through the draft. If he was scared to loose his job or just wanted to keep as many fans in the stands, he could pull a Pulford -ism (aptly created word describing the play .500 and be competitive GM Pulford.).

Back then the owner had certain viewpoint about attendance and revenue from attendance. Teams did not pay out or generate sales from marketing and media electronic and print like the internet has spawned. Heck back then flip phones were Infancy stage and phone booths were everywhere.

I prefer to see the bright light at the end of the tunnell. To that end I believe in the draft although I am a bit shaky with Bowman's past track record seperate frim drafting. I do not think he will screw up first round choices, though I do believe the least important feature on his teams. ....his way of building....is the power forward.

Anyway Bowman would be a fool to not let Gus play. We shall see how he and the team player profile changes under Bowman and Colliton. Bowman is guilty of entrusting that Seabrook and Keith would not fall as mightily. Bowman also has not replaced the quality of the dman corps with equally good replacements.

Allrighy, then. I'm not here to talk you out of your strong dislike for whatever or whoever it is. Just saying that your guy Scott knows - and you should, too - exactly why Joki was sent down. And the organization not recognizing he might be good enough to play some minutes right now is absolutely not the reason.
- mohel

Why can’t you just admit that McD lied to the Blackhawk fans at the Q firing presser. It’s obvious that he did.

Well, then McD can cut his BS about ‘this is a playoff team’. Playoff teams play their best players. If it’s not about making the playoffs, but developing players, then say so.

And, interestingly, Joki was part of the NHL roster when he said this was a playoff team.

They can’t have it both ways.
- scottak

Please recognize that double speak is the businessman "bs" trying to mislead fans so more revenue comes in from ticket sales.

So, the rookie head coach is making that decision without input from the front office. C'mon. This crap is why this joint is called the Board of Doom.
- mohel

He is the head coach of the team is what I'm saying. Doesn't matter if he is a rookie, but he is involved in deciding the development of the players.

Why can’t you just admit that McD lied to the Blackhawk fans at the Q firing presser. It’s obvious that he did.
- scottak

He would not come out and say we suck, we are terrible and our new leader will lead us to the promised Stanley Cup. What then...eat his own marketing of his once great stars..... Kane is still great....Toewes is just ok compared to his past glory

Why can’t you just admit that McD lied to the Blackhawk fans at the Q firing presser. It’s obvious that he did.
- scottak

Because I don't care.