I respectfully disagree. http://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Just cut the cord already. This past season has been more entertaining than the previous two combined, and I'm grateful for that. Young players are developing chemistry and building confidence that will carry into next season.

From here on out, I just want to see the team play loose, have fun and lose every game by the score of 7 to 6, or something close to that.
- Dieselhead

that's what they were doing: they needed 5 or 6 to win...kane was producing at almost 2 pts per game...they don't have to play lose to do that: that's who they are but no team maybe outside of the bolts can keep up that kind of scoring

Took 2.5 years for them to Hold Q accountable. Start with that...
- TrueGrit

and the new coach at the start of 21-22 season wil be________________

Chara resigned at $2 mil, further perpetuating the question of why?

He is actually "not sure" about net front presence and why they do only occasionally? I can help Jeremy out with the answer - far too many small forwards who don't like dealing with big nasty defenceman like Erik Johnson and Zadorov.

Jeremy what you have is a forward group that is mainly too small and a defence group that isn't very mean. So teams take advantage because the Hawks are so easy to play against. And then you have forwards who prefer tic tac toe and making pretty passing plays like Saad.
- RickJ

What is he supposed to say? All my players are too small and weak?

Chara resigned at $2 mil, further perpetuating the question of why?
- I Am The Breadman

he should retire and take his rightful place in the crosschecking/slashing HOF...

Okay, so I went to the Hogs game tonight. Besides the gawdawful score of 8-2, here are some of my takeaways. The guys played almost an exact replica of the Hawks. It was different last year under Colliten because they played with more passion than the Hawks under Q's last year. Derek King is trying to replicate Colliten, but he is not as successful imo. I rather hope they haven't made a permanent coach out of him because I do not see that the guys have progressed much. His line combos were uninspiring and no chemistry.

Ejdsell had way too much playing time, it was like he was out every other shift. He still is not a fluid skater, but he was a bit more into the play than his usual pylon self. Couple of the new Hogs--Olafsson LW, 6'2" , 197, played very responsibly and had some jump. Osipov D, 6'4", 234 was a pleasant surprise. He looked really strong on his skates and did a lot of good stick work. Tuulola stood out for his speed tonight, Sikura was noticeable. Martinsen used his big butt to wipe the boards with the opponents, and Gilbert had a nice little fight and I think he won. Joki looked really good, nicely removed the puck from the other team, and even he got a little dirty on the boards. Luke Johnson was out from an injury last night, and that may have contributed to the poor offense. Holland had a couple of good moments. Delia did not have a good night. At least three of the goals were softies, a couple were from when he was out of position and couldn't get back over to cover, the others were blown coverage in front of him.

Overall, they were down 3-0 in the first. They rallied and got two quick goals in the first half of the second period, and then the Ads went five straight unanswered goals. The Hogs' power play was as pitiful as the Hawks'.

On a happier note, I did get to have a picture with Hammy!

FWIW, Colliton seems more and more bothered with lack of net front and toughness

“The Avalanche took a 3-1 lead early in the third when a long shot by Erik Johnson deflected off Sven Andrighetto at the net. The officials reviewed whether Andrighetto had a high stick, though Crawford contended the puck hit Andrighetto’s hand or arm and might have been a violation.

Colliton was probably more jealous than angry. He has been lamenting the Hawks’ apparent aversion to that type of dirty work the last few days and certainly didn’t see such inclination from them Saturday.

‘‘Tells me we’re not ready to score those goals that are needed at this time of year when it’s almost a playoff game,’’ he vented. ‘‘There’s not a lot of tic-tac-toe, backdoor one-timer things. You’ve got to . . . manufacture offense in different ways. They did it, and we didn’t.’’


When asked whether it’s an unwillingness to fight for those opportunities, he said: ‘‘I’m not sure. Sometimes we do it, but clearly it’s an area we’ve got to get better in.’’

from Sun-Times post game article
- pdx2ord

Colliton also talked about how even when Hawks set up at the net, they are not fighting for position in front of the goalie - like Androghetti was - bothering him, cutting off his eyes, in good good position for a deflection.

Hawks tend to set up off to one side or the other - waving their sticks at shots, but giving the goalie a good look at the shot. Even Toews and Anisimov. It seems like that’s the way they’re taught.

The guy at the net should be following the puck - staying between the puck and the goalie - blinding him on the shot. Hawks rarely do that.

C'mon, somebody has to post about McD lying about this being a playoff team. At that point all bases will have been hit.
- mohel

Why shouldn’t he be held accountable for that unwarranted claim?

Tonight’s game is just icing on the cake demonstrating McD knows ZERO about hockey.

No team with only a 50% NHL ready roster should make the playoffs.

Why shouldn’t he be held accountable for that unwarranted claim?

Tonight’s game is just icing on the cake demonstrating McD knows ZERO about hockey.

No team with only a 50% NHL ready roster should make the playoffs.
- Return of the Roar

McDonough would not be endeared by Rocky if he was to say anything else..Fans expect the double talk and bs. Not much different in politics and the business world. A lot of posturing and one goal actually means always thinking about the bottom line - the healthy bank account

Perspective.

74 games ago – did anyone expect much from the team this season? No, our hopes were focused more on the individual parts than the sum of those parts. So now it’s almost over and it looks like the team is going to fall short of the playoffs, kind of like we thought at the beginning. And the hopes we had for the individual parts have gone pretty well, haven’t they?

We knew this was going to be a process and it has been and will continue to be.

Patience.

Okay, so I went to the Hogs game tonight. Besides the gawdawful score of 8-2, here are some of my takeaways. The guys played almost an exact replica of the Hawks. It was different last year under Colliten because they played with more passion than the Hawks under Q's last year. Derek King is trying to replicate Colliten, but he is not as successful imo. I rather hope they haven't made a permanent coach out of him because I do not see that the guys have progressed much. His line combos were uninspiring and no chemistry.

Ejdsell had way too much playing time, it was like he was out every other shift. He still is not a fluid skater, but he was a bit more into the play than his usual pylon self. Couple of the new Hogs--Olafsson LW, 6'2" , 197, played very responsibly and had some jump. Osipov D, 6'4", 234 was a pleasant surprise. He looked really strong on his skates and did a lot of good stick work. Tuulola stood out for his speed tonight, Sikura was noticeable. Martinsen used his big butt to wipe the boards with the opponents, and Gilbert had a nice little fight and I think he won. Joki looked really good, nicely removed the puck from the other team, and even he got a little dirty on the boards. Luke Johnson was out from an injury last night, and that may have contributed to the poor offense. Holland had a couple of good moments. Delia did not have a good night. At least three of the goals were softies, a couple were from when he was out of position and couldn't get back over to cover, the others were blown coverage in front of him.

Overall, they were down 3-0 in the first. They rallied and got two quick goals in the first half of the second period, and then the Ads went five straight unanswered goals. The Hogs' power play was as pitiful as the Hawks'.

On a happier note, I did get to have a picture with Hammy!
- Googlyeyes

Thanks for your observations and please feel free to contribute whenever you attend a game.

Tuulola stepped in to AHL playoffs and was solid last year. This without AHL experience. Which just goes to show at AHL or NHL level players are able to perform better when they have proper support. Of course that is only part of it - talent and experience factor in as well. Interesting whom is solid and whom is not. And why so.

Perspective.

74 games ago – did anyone expect much from the team this season? No, our hopes were focused more on the individual parts than the sum of those parts. So now it’s almost over and it looks like the team is going to fall short of the playoffs, kind of like we thought at the beginning. And the hopes we had for the individual parts have gone pretty well, haven’t they?

We knew this was going to be a process and it has been and will continue to be.

Patience.
- EbonyRaptor

We found out more about our dman prospects. Who didn't think someone in management would not finish the season - it was Q. We figured DeBrincat should score more. Now he and Strome need to play more smart defense..Strome. Oh yes came over because you knew something had to give with Schmaultz. The Caggiula move was a winner and Bowman looks better with those moves. It remains to be seen who and how the team lines up next season. You would think Bowman is going to have.to bend and bring in some grit, some net front presence and a quality dman. Are Forsling and Dahlstrom depth guys? Gus was a revelation through the good the bad and the ugly uneven play. Crawford returned. Really he did. Played well. Really he did. Highmore never had the opportunity but Fortin did. Hayden looks like an even bigger question.

McDonough would not be endeared by Rocky if he was to say anything else..Fans expect the double talk and bs. Not much different in politics and the business world. A lot of posturing and one goal actually means always thinking about the bottom line - the healthy bank account
- jhawk59

I expect the fans will begin to refuse to pay for all the double talk and bs in the not too distant future.

he should retire and take his rightful place in the crosschecking/slashing HOF...
- bogiedoc

Don't forget laying on top of players.

I expect the fans will begin to refuse to pay for all the double talk and bs in the not too distant future.
- 6628

6628 - the following rant is not directed to you at all.

I don't think fans care about the double talk. Why do i think that? Because McD has been spreading it for years, and the joint was always full. What the fans are sensitive to is winning and losing - especially those fans often derided by some hockey elitists on this board as bandwagon fans. Now those same elitists are worried that those same fans are gonna go away. Ya know who realizes this? Rocky and McD. They have a huge incentive to put a winner out there. That should be a good thing. It amazes me that the tough talkers on here are actually butt hurt because a management guy said he thinks this is a playoff team. Talk about lavender sniffers...

Okay, so I went to the Hogs game tonight. Besides the gawdawful score of 8-2, here are some of my takeaways. The guys played almost an exact replica of the Hawks. It was different last year under Colliten because they played with more passion than the Hawks under Q's last year. Derek King is trying to replicate Colliten, but he is not as successful imo. I rather hope they haven't made a permanent coach out of him because I do not see that the guys have progressed much. His line combos were uninspiring and no chemistry.

Ejdsell had way too much playing time, it was like he was out every other shift. He still is not a fluid skater, but he was a bit more into the play than his usual pylon self. Couple of the new Hogs--Olafsson LW, 6'2" , 197, played very responsibly and had some jump. Osipov D, 6'4", 234 was a pleasant surprise. He looked really strong on his skates and did a lot of good stick work. Tuulola stood out for his speed tonight, Sikura was noticeable. Martinsen used his big butt to wipe the boards with the opponents, and Gilbert had a nice little fight and I think he won. Joki looked really good, nicely removed the puck from the other team, and even he got a little dirty on the boards. Luke Johnson was out from an injury last night, and that may have contributed to the poor offense. Holland had a couple of good moments. Delia did not have a good night. At least three of the goals were softies, a couple were from when he was out of position and couldn't get back over to cover, the others were blown coverage in front of him.

Overall, they were down 3-0 in the first. They rallied and got two quick goals in the first half of the second period, and then the Ads went five straight unanswered goals. The Hogs' power play was as pitiful as the Hawks'.

On a happier note, I did get to have a picture with Hammy!
- Googlyeyes

Thanks for the thoughts, really appreciate it. Shame you saw a blowout. Your picture comment made me laugh!!

Teravainen hits the 70 point mark for the first time in his career.

Never thought THAT would happen.

Teravainen hits the 70 point mark for the first time in his career.

Never thought THAT would happen.
- BINGO!

Pssst: I don't think 70 is his ceiling.

Pssst: I don't think 70 is his ceiling.
- 35Tony0

The way Hawks fans were talking when he left he'd be lucky to be a 50 point guy.

He's been on fire ever since they put him on his own line.

Teravainen hits the 70 point mark for the first time in his career.

Never thought THAT would happen.
- BINGO!

Elbows knew it all along.

I'm happy for the little fella.

6628 - the following rant is not directed to you at all.

I don't think fans care about the double talk. Why do i think that? Because McD has been spreading it for years, and the joint was always full. What the fans are sensitive to is winning and losing - especially those fans often derided by some hockey elitists on this board as bandwagon fans. Now those same elitists are worried that those same fans are gonna go away. Ya know who realizes this? Rocky and McD. They have a huge incentive to put a winner out there. That should be a good thing. It amazes me that the tough talkers on here are actually butt hurt because a management guy said he thinks this is a playoff team. Talk about lavender sniffers...
- mohel

I appreciate what you are saying. But at the same time I can't stand when people basically order me to think what they want, especially if it's bullpoop and all about the money. Which was exactly what happened. Worry about the game first and the money will come flooding in. This is not Wrigley where the team was a loser for a century and change and it ain't (frank)in baseball priced tickets.

The way Hawks fans were talking when he left he'd be lucky to be a 50 point guy.

He's been on fire ever since they put him on his own line.
- BINGO!

Bingo, the Hawks fans on here can't stand the Hawks management - I mean wtf has Hawks management given them? Anyway, TT was hyped by said management, and when he wasn't Kane by his 3rd shift, he was trashed. Much of it was really anger at management.

I appreciate what you are saying. But at the same time I can't stand when people basically order me to think what they want, especially if it's bullpoop and all about the money. Which was exactly what happened. Worry about the game first and the money will come flooding in. This is not Wrigley where the team was a loser for a century and change and it ain't (frank)in baseball priced tickets.
- 6628

I'm right with you on the ordering me what to think. That's why I give no credence one way or the other to what McD says. They say what they think they have to say. I believe Rocky and McD know that they need to be competitive to keep the crowds big. To me, that's why they're going with the soft rebuild. Firing Q was also evidence of this. If it were the old Cubs they could and would keep a beloved figure around without damage. The Hawks can't do that.

I respectfully disagree. http://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Just cut the cord already. This past season has been more entertaining than the previous two combined, and I'm grateful for that. Young players are developing chemistry and building confidence that will carry into next season.

From here on out, I just want to see the team play loose, have fun and lose every game by the score of 7 to 6, or something close to that.
- Dieselhead

I can see your point. I too have enjoyed the games this year. A bit shocking that we're actually still in the playoff race this far into the season after what the team has gone through. But in my world I want to see them competing hard every game until they're eliminated. Let's see what kind of team we have. I think that can only help us going forward.

6628 - the following rant is not directed to you at all.

I don't think fans care about the double talk. Why do i think that? Because McD has been spreading it for years, and the joint was always full. What the fans are sensitive to is winning and losing - especially those fans often derided by some hockey elitists on this board as bandwagon fans. Now those same elitists are worried that those same fans are gonna go away. Ya know who realizes this? Rocky and McD. They have a huge incentive to put a winner out there. That should be a good thing. It amazes me that the tough talkers on here are actually butt hurt because a management guy said he thinks this is a playoff team. Talk about lavender sniffers...
- mohel

Disclaimer: I'm not a season ticket holder - which means my allegiance to the Hawks doesn't cost a huge monetary investment. Maybe if it did I would feel differently.

Wins and losses. That's it. On the 1 or 2 times a year I go to the UC to watch the game, I really couldn't care less if it happens to be a Bobble Head night or other some such McD side show stuff. While I pay relatively little monetarily - I pay hugely with my attention and the only thing I want in return is for the Hawks to give their best effort to win. That's it. Period.