Always playing down to their opponents
- pdx2ord

If it wasn't for the fact the Flyers played most of the season with stiffs like Calvin Pickard, Anthony Stolarz and Brian Elliott masquerading as their NHL goalie they would be in a playoff spot. They have a fairly nice roster.

The Hawks were not playing down to the Flyers level. Carter Hart did to them what Corey did to Montreal on Saturday.

If it wasn't for the fact the Flyers played most of the season with stiffs like Calvin Pickard, Anthony Stolarz and Brian Elliott masquerading as their NHL goalie they would be in a playoff spot. They have a fairly nice roster.

The Hawks were not playing down to the Flyers level. Carter Hart did to them what Corey did to Montreal on Saturday.
- RickJ

For their sake hope that Carter [is the] Hart of a revival in Philly.

Man I just have to go off on a tangent for one quick moment. Has anyone had a really awesome philly Steak Sandwich in Philadelphia?

The Blackhawks defensive coverage and poor downright terrible plays interspersed the game had to give the Flyers confidance. I mean sure Hart was good but Chicago also beat itself.

Reportedly veterans bought into Colliton system but really all year long Toews did too much fly by defensively
This is not to signify that Toews was bad defensively
But he isn't the same old Toews who once was the domimating center. I really would like a first round fiesty type power forward with descent offensive ability drafted and able to play top six within two years.

Yes yes there is the Perlini factor however I want a young fiesty forward on Toews line. Then I foresee rolling three offensive lines and trying to win the puck control. With Crawford in net majority of outings this may be recipe for success. It could mask the still struggling defense

e

Don't think our boys will be reading "The Will To Power" during their remaining 9 games. Maybe someone could suggest it.
- gabriel

Maybe Hayden. College and a degree was important to him. Not philosophy, it was business or economics or something.

In regards to death announcements, it's nice they pay their respects and address lost lives. Last night was sped through a little bit. Other goofy stuff was given more attention in comparison.

Conspiracy theory du jour.
- paulr

No, the team gave up.....If they cared about the season they would have pounded that goof to a pulp. Or, after the next whistle, jumped one of their players, just as Gudas did.
See sometimes you need to use your brain instead of falling for the obvious.

They have earned my fandom by never quitting. I can accept the results. I believe that this organization truly wants to win. From the top down. So yeah, it sucks that they are in a bit of a down cycle but I think they have shown a lot of positives to build on going forward.
- Elbows15

Well said in my opinion Elbows, and I agree. If I see effort I can handle the results.

No, the team gave up.....If they cared about the season they would have pounded that goof to a pulp. Or, after the next whistle, jumped one of their players, just as Gudas did.
See sometimes you need to use your brain instead of falling for the obvious.
- powerenforcer

Come on PE, it was a love tap it wasn't anything to get worked up over. The Hawks bigger problem was trying to win the game not trying to get a Flyer player for a little headlock that didn't crease the Blackhawk player's sweater.

Come on PE, it was a love tap it wasn't anything to get worked up over. The Hawks bigger problem was trying to win the game not trying to get a Flyer player for a little headlock that didn't crease the Blackhawk player's sweater.
- paulr

Actually, it was the perfect example of roughing. What did Kunitz do to provoke Gudas into ANY activity? Anyway, who scored after that? Think about it.

They know the Yotes lost.
Chance to capitalize.
And they still play a lackluster, soft, perimeter game.
SMH.

the hawks had chances and played well enough to win; the ones hart didn't see either did not get through, went wide or were blocked. his positioning and rebound control were excellent

that's why this game can be so infuriating...

Shot attempts: 72-44 CHI
Shots on goal: 41-28 CHI
5-on-5 scoring chances: 31-17 CHI
5-on-5 high danger chances: 5-4 PHI

kane has disappeared after carrying this team for two months...
- bogiedoc

Kane's gotta be on fumes at this point. I think what's so maddening is the Hawks went on the road and beat the Leafs and the Habs and then they come home and with a chance to make up some ground they lose both games.

Just a couple of weeks ago they came home and needed points and lost both home games that weekend.

Certainly the effort was there last night. But the offense couldn't get it done. The PP has also cooled off considerably. It'll be interesting to see what the offseason brings and if Bowman can actually fix the defense...although we've been hearing this song for a while.

Kane's gotta be on fumes at this point. I think what's so maddening is the Hawks went on the road and beat the Leafs and the Habs and then they come home and with a chance to make up some ground they lose both games.

Just a couple of weeks ago they came home and needed points and lost both home games that weekend.

Certainly the effort was there last night. But the offense couldn't get it done. The PP has also cooled off considerably. It'll be interesting to see what the offseason brings and if Bowman can actually fix the defense...although we've been hearing this song for a while.
- DK002

Well that proves it, get rid of Cornelison. HE is the reason they are losing at the UC.

Actually, it was the perfect example of roughing. What did Kunitz do to provoke Gudas into ANY activity? Anyway, who scored after that? Think about it.
- powerenforcer

It doesn't really matter anyway, Bettman and the NHL has tilted everything against the Hawks so drastically that it doesn't matter what they do, they can never win.

Well this is it fellas...

Need all 4 in regulation vs COL. anything less and season is over. After dropping 3 points in the last 2 games, The playoffs start now in my opinion. Some say they started vs VAN, but we had a little wiggle room as of the start of the week. Wiggle room gone.

Here we go!

Maybe Hayden. College and a degree was important to him. Not philosophy, it was business or economics or something.

In regards to death announcements, it's nice they pay their respects and address lost lives. Last night was sped through a little bit. Other goofy stuff was given more attention in comparison.
- I Am The Breadman

All I'm saying is that our approach is atypical. Watch a ton of games on DirecTV, and things like that are not used unless the people are known by a lot of other people. Not saying that one is incorrect, necessarily. But, to me, it gets stale because of the person's anonymity. Think McD has no problem with promoting the "Blackhawk family."

There was bad coverage mistakes aplenty. From a dman leaving front of net to help along boards, to DCat poor decisions twice to pass into center ice. Just two examples.
The fact is that the defense needs a lot of work and it starts not only with gradual introduction of new members, but with a thorough understanding and effort on the players behalf.

You have old war horses whom I am more fed up with than ever.

Maybe if Keith can be accomodated....move him. He really ought to be playing still about 20 + TOI while rookies and younger dmen break in - for one more year, anyway. Keith is in shape and IF a better team, better defense partner, and others buy into being responsible from a defensive effort, then yes Keith might respond favorably. That is asking a lot for Collitin to oversee.....but it is what Colliton should enact.

This is a key turning point off season for Bowman. He better have the right coach. He better re-shape the roster appropriately. If he drafts a good player in round one I will be happy; however, many should grumble if Bowman passes on an available skill + power forward type.

I cannot help but think how Bowman might want to add a big size dman which is what the top rated dman is. Not exactly an intimidator, but some size and willingness to hit an opponent would be a welcome addition to all these fragile skinny hot shot prospects on defense.

I would rather an experienced dman with at least some nasty and draft the power forward/compete with the #1

As for the current players - another situation to monitor.....
I am hopeful at least Carlsson comes aboard and, later, either Hillman or Gilbert as a 6th/depth.

It is clear NOW that from the onset under Q to the final games under Collitin, we truly are whom we thought we were on ice. Whether training camp review and more players more attuned to Collitin system emerges (or not), there will be a different looking team next season.

Oh btw you want a sure bet on something. There is surely going to be calls on this board to bring Boqvist in immediately. Not, please yet ! Sigh.
- jhawk59

Great post jhawk....agree on everything, especially on DK.

They know the Yotes lost.
Chance to capitalize.
And they still play a lackluster, soft, perimeter game.
SMH.
- philco28

Here! Here! I was beginning to think I was the only one who felt this way. Thank you for the reality check.

They know the Yotes lost.
Chance to capitalize.
And they still play a lackluster, soft, perimeter game.
SMH.
- philco28

Weren't good enough to start the season, haven't been good enough all season.

Just as they get a little close they drop home games to Colorado, Dallas, Vancouver, Philly.
And losses over the season to LAK, NJ.

They aren't a playoff team and never were.

All I'm saying is that our approach is atypical. Watch a ton of games on DirecTV, and things like that are not used unless the people are known by a lot of other people. Not saying that one is incorrect, necessarily. But, to me, it gets stale because of the person's anonymity. Think McD has no problem with promoting the "Blackhawk family."
- gabriel

That would be my guess, combined with Pat and Eddie being good with people. I hear you on the anonymity, but it's not something that bothers me.

That would be my guess, combined with Pat and Eddie being good with people. I hear you on the anonymity, but it's not something that bothers me.
- I Am The Breadman

Oh, it doesn't really bother me either. It just sounds tinny and misplaced, somehow. 95% of us who tune in don't know these unfortunate folks. I don't think they are addressing the fans at all. Rather, adhering to some marketing ploy. Call me jaded if you must. Lol!

Oh, it doesn't really bother me either. It just sounds tinny and misplaced, somehow. 95% of us who tune in don't know these unfortunate folks. I don't think they are addressing the fans at all. Rather, adhering to some marketing ploy. Call me jaded if you must. Lol!
- gabriel

How about - it’s just - a nice thing to do for the friends and family of a hockey fan whose life has ended.

Better than the fake patriotism of Cornellison (there’s my cynicism).

You are jaded - but that kind of cynicism seems to be the true religion of the age.

Weren't good enough to start the season, haven't been good enough all season.

Just as they get a little close they drop home games to Colorado, Dallas, Vancouver, Philly.
And losses over the season to LAK, NJ.

They aren't a playoff team and never were.
- RickJ

The ruling definition of a mediocre team. That's okay, because that is who they are right now.

How about - it’s just - a nice thing to do for the friends and family of a hockey fan whose life has ended.

Better than the fake patriotism of Cornellison (there’s my cynicism).

You are jaded - but that kind of cynicism seems to be the true religion of the age.
- StLBravesFan

Interesting as heck. Never once thought big Jim was peddling Americanism. Just following through on a moment that temporarily seized the nation. I recall being semi scared whitless at the time. Thought the Hawks fans cheering was a classy antidote.

So how does trading players that don't have big salaries help them?
- GPHawksfan

Regarding yesterday's discussion about Vegas cap issues and acquiring a d-man from them like Miller or McNabb....

Next year's Vegas cap hit is already 82M with 17 players signed. If they sign Karlsson for 7M and fill out their roster with a bunch of minimum wage guys they will be at around 93M or 10M over the projected cap. They will have to offload some of their depth guys like Miller at 3.875M, McNabb at 2.5M, Eakin at 3.85M without taking much salary back.

Stan should be the first one in line talking to McPhee after the season ends.

Come on PE, it was a love tap it wasn't anything to get worked up over. The Hawks bigger problem was trying to win the game not trying to get a Flyer player for a little headlock that didn't crease the Blackhawk player's sweater.
- paulr

NO, NO NO.....I will emphatically disagree with this. You are not looking at the long term affect of this entire organization but simply looking at winning one game ? Look long term please.

This team has been soft for years and a bunch of nice guys too long. Yes thankfully they've won 3 Stanley Cups but since the 2010 team that included Burish, Eager, Buff, Ladd, Bolland, and a youger Seabrook, this team has relatively nobody to make the opposition fear. And anybody that has played hockey at any level understands this. Teams waltz into UC knowing that they are playing the easiest team in the NHL, toughness wise. I'm not only talking about fighting, I'm talking about TEAM toughness and standing up and making a statement to your opponent. Last nights display after Gudas sucker job proves my point. Kunitz needed to IMMEDIATELY drop the gloves and put an end to these types of bullying tactics on this team and organization in general. His lack of response is the reason why teams have NO FEAR playing our Blackhawks, and probably the reason we have NO dominance on home ice. I am sick of it !!
Standing up for yourself and your team mates is essential in the NHL. Without it, teams laugh at you under their breath.

Now that I (we) have all blamed Quenneville for the recent disastrous and disappointing 4 consecutive seasons, maybe that was incorrect ? How can an organization that has 3 Hall of Famers currently in Kane, Toews, and Keith continue to falter and disappoint ? And I'll add Hossa and Quenneville to these past 10 years as well. Thas 5 probable Hall of famers.

Lastly, as many of you know, I am a 55 year season ticket holder. I was 9 years old in 1963 when my dad purchased 4 center ice mezzanine tickets for 3.00 apiece. Now in 100 level center ice, these tickets are thousands and thousands of dollars and quite honestly, it's just not worth it much longer.

As somebody posted the question yesterday on who's renewing ? YES, we are renewing for One Last Season.

I'm going to give Mr. Wirtz one last attempt to change this team over into a group of players, coaches, and managers that show a different type of intensity, determination, and eagerness to stand up with some toughness and heart, because without it, next year will be our last year......along with hoards of other season ticket holders as well. Count on it !!

Oh well, back to watching the Tank standings. Vancouver and Edmonton are coming on. Maybe if our weekend goes badly ….
At least we are not the Columbus Blue Jackets -that would be really frustrating.

Well this is it fellas...

Need all 4 in regulation vs COL. anything less and season is over. After dropping 3 points in the last 2 games, The playoffs start now in my opinion. Some say they started vs VAN, but we had a little wiggle room as of the start of the week. Wiggle room gone.

Here we go!
- gnosox1986

Let’s hope Varlamov has lost our number, since he’s had it for years.