This is easily one of the stupidest takes I have ever read on this forum.

For your own sake, I hope you are kidding.
- TommyHawk

Not kidding - opposing players ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. You should go out and make it as difficult for opposition as you can. Finish checks, and if hurt is a result, so be it. Enough with the participation crap. The Blackhawks are out of the playoffs, now it is time for them to hurt the remaining playoff teams. Don't intentionally injure, but don't let them have their way either. Do you not understand that?

Not kidding - opposing players ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. You should go out and make it as difficult for opposition as you can. Finish checks, and if hurt is a result, so be it. Enough with the participation crap. The Blackhawks are out of the playoffs, now it is time for them to hurt the remaining playoff teams. Don't intentionally injure, but don't let them have their way either. Do you not understand that?
- powerenforcer

I hope you don't own a gun.

Not kidding - opposing players ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. You should go out and make it as difficult for opposition as you can. Finish checks, and if hurt is a result, so be it. Enough with the participation crap. The Blackhawks are out of the playoffs, now it is time for them to hurt the remaining playoff teams. Don't intentionally injure, but don't let them have their way either. Do you not understand that?
- powerenforcer

I think any young guys the Hawks bring up to end the year or guys on the borderline will definitely look to make an impression. The coaches might give some guys a little more leeway to experiment, both of which can result in some physical play, but I don't thing it is in the team's DNA to really punish anyone too much.

You are right man. They are playing better and the results and stats do show it. It was a very obvious corner they turned mid-season. Anyone who doesn't believe me, go watch the games from November and Early December again and you'll be reminded of just how bad they were defending at the time. It isn't just CC is back or just one tweak here or there, but a number of things that helped them make some progress. The back half of this season is night and day better than last year.
- breadbag

They still give up a TON of chances and allow a high amount of goals against.

First 41 games goals against as a team: 152 goals or 3.71 a game
38 games (3 to go): 131 goals or 3.45

I attribute the 0.26 to CC more so then any system change based on watching. Im sure some advanced stats can either back or shoot down my hoge poge theory....

I feel strongly that his contract won't be traded. There seems to be no point in exchanging one bad contract for another. In fact, we're better off whatever mentor relations he could provide to any newbies/prospects. If Seabtook is bad enough then he likely only plays occassionally.

I do not know how a team may or may not do a buy out. The cap hit remains from original contract? Moreover does that absolve us from protecting him in the expansion draft?

On another subject i hope an entire blog would consider the necessity of a very strong bottom two lines. Two reliable defensively and at least one willing to throw his weight around. That is correct; both bottom lines need this as a preresiquite.

The over- riding concern is the fragility of most of the dmen. As the kids filter in and take jobs they do not have
adult strong bodies. They are not large size dmen with a big strong chest is my anology. This is what Colliton wants....at least i think so.

Not kidding - opposing players ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. You should go out and make it as difficult for opposition as you can. Finish checks, and if hurt is a result, so be it. Enough with the participation crap. The Blackhawks are out of the playoffs, now it is time for them to hurt the remaining playoff teams. Don't intentionally injure, but don't let them have their way either. Do you not understand that?
- powerenforcer

they play hard, clean, and move along.

They hurt a guy, their will be retribution. Promise you that.

It’s a bit different than a random sample size though. If the roster was more or less the same now as it was for game #1, I’d agree, but since the 2 trades, this team IS a much better team. Obviously still a long way to go to be a contender, but if they had played this whole season with the team as currently constructed, I’d have no doubt theyd be playing in game #83.
- Ogilthorpe2

The Hawks team that is finishing the season is far from a finished product, but it is appreciably better than it was to start the season. The opening day lineup had Ward in goal, Manning and Rutta on D and Martinsen and Johnson up front. Crawford is a major difference maker and the forward lineup has several long term upgrades that weren't in place at the start of the season. It's a process but there is progress.

I can see Ward playing Wednesday, and Crawford playing the last home game Friday against Dallas. Dallas has clinched the 1st WC and will probably be locked in that spot so they may rest some of their top players. Ward gets the start for the 2nd of a back to back Saturday against NSH.

I hope STl, DAl, and Nash all beat them so they can improve their draft spot.

I had to laugh out loud that a poster said this team, THIS team, was a top 10 team and Sikura got regular shifts for 30+ games. Dear lord. Make it stop. PLEASE.

No this, team....is going to finish last in its division for the 2nd consecutive year and as I posted yesterday......they got the best out of the core by a long shot and it still wasn't good enough. Mathematically they were eliminated officially last night, but realistically they were eliminated months ago.

This team dug themselves a huge hole, had a nice stretch like 70% of all teams do, but....wait for it.....the consistency to get valuable points in close games, negate prolonged losing streaks, is why this team is again going to sit home and still hasn't won a playoff game since game 6 vs STL in the spring of 2016.

I know...board of doom......but even if CC is healthy for 55+ games playing behind that/this defense....he has no chance.

Bowman's largest battle yet.....fix this defense, and depth scoring knowing that you are going to be locking up 2 guys for close to 14 million when the dust settles (ADB, Strome) and dealing with an aging 7 and 2.

May be time for Bowman to get bold and trade a true core piece this offseason.
- SteveRain

Lets be honest, facts don't seem to count much for you.

Look at the standings since Jan 1 or Mid December. They would be in second place behind St. Louis.

You would think with your "cup half full" mindset.

Somehow you would find some other interest to occupy your time.

I could see you walking into the Hawks dressing room delivering that message, with the clouds and rain hanging over your head like EYORE.

So folks, never mind what you saw the last 3 months, competing in games versus all comers. Would love to buy a pair of glasses that allows me to convert what a one goal loss is on the ice, to the sky is falling and world coming apart perception.

So in the end, they will come up 2 or 3 wins from a playoff spot. Over 82 games, not bad.

Wait, I know all you country club entitled fans are not satisfied with "playoffs", you need olympic rosters and guaranteed cups, or this is all beneath you!! "if we are not gonna win the cup, then why bother, blow it all up"

I hope you don't own a gun.
- paulr

Just a gilooly pipe.

What was your favourite moment from the past season?

Toews proving all the haters dead wrong. He was never as bad or as washed up as some fans would have you believe and he proved it without a doubt. His shooting returning to normal %, the PP revitalizing, and less time babysitting slumping linemates.

The Hawks team that is finishing the season is far from a finished product, but it is appreciably better than it was to start the season. The opening day lineup had Ward in goal, Manning and Rutta on D and Martinsen and Johnson up front. Crawford is a major difference maker and the forward lineup has several long term upgrades that weren't in place at the start of the season. It's a process but there is progress.
- EbonyRaptor

The Seabs contract really looks like it might be what keeps this team from being a legit playoff team. Swap that contract out for a legit top 4 D-men and the Hawks look a lot better. I love Seabs but that contract is just crippling and I am not sure their is anything the Hawks can do about it b/c Strome and Dcat will need to be paid in a year. You have to hope that 1-2 D prospects step in and play like experienced top 4 defenders. Those ECLs offset Seabs boat anchor.

Correct me if I am wrong but the Hawks still can't use the Hossa cap space until the start of each season correct? Cap compliant on day 1 then the space can be used?

Lets be honest, facts don't seem to count much for you.

Look at the standings since Jan 1 or Mid December. They would be in second place behind St. Louis.

You would think with your "cup half full" mindset.

Somehow you would find some other interest to occupy your time.

I could see you walking into the Hawks dressing room delivering that message, with the clouds and rain hanging over your head like EYORE.

So folks, never mind what you saw the last 3 months, competing in games versus all comers. Would love to buy a pair of glasses that allows me to convert what a one goal loss is on the ice, to the sky is falling and world coming apart perception.

So in the end, they will come up 2 or 3 wins from a playoff spot. Over 82 games, not bad.

Wait, I know all you country club entitled fans are not satisfied with "playoffs", you need olympic rosters and guaranteed cups, or this is all beneath you!! "if we are not gonna win the cup, then why bother, blow it all up"


- TrueGrit

Hey....if you want to take personal shots, lets go revisit the time Q scratched ole Victor Stalberg and how that derailed the Hawks season because "he lost the room".

Right......19-13-6 since 1/1......is that really in 2nd place behind the Blues? I find that hard to believe, but I would have to be shown that.

Keep on waiving your Hawks flag down there while enjoying the 4 pm buffet.

Lets be honest, facts don't seem to count much for you.

Look at the standings since Jan 1 or Mid December. They would be in second place behind St. Louis.

You would think with your "cup half full" mindset.

Somehow you would find some other interest to occupy your time.

I could see you walking into the Hawks dressing room delivering that message, with the clouds and rain hanging over your head like EYORE.

So folks, never mind what you saw the last 3 months, competing in games versus all comers. Would love to buy a pair of glasses that allows me to convert what a one goal loss is on the ice, to the sky is falling and world coming apart perception.

So in the end, they will come up 2 or 3 wins from a playoff spot. Over 82 games, not bad.

Wait, I know all you country club entitled fans are not satisfied with "playoffs", you need olympic rosters and guaranteed cups, or this is all beneath you!! "if we are not gonna win the cup, then why bother, blow it all up"


- TrueGrit

Let me know also how the players love missing the playoffs but hang their hats on "coming up 2 or 3 wins from a playoff spot over 82 games, not bad"

Their is difference between loving to win, and hating to lose. Most athletes I know hate to lose more then anything else......but hey, they almost made it...…

Priceless.

They still give up a TON of chances and allow a high amount of goals against.

First 41 games goals against as a team: 152 goals or 3.71 a game
38 games (3 to go): 131 goals or 3.45

I attribute the 0.26 to CC more so then any system change based on watching. Im sure some advanced stats can either back or shoot down my hoge poge theory....

- SteveRain

Don't need stats. Again, if you go back and watch the trainwreck the D was in their losing streaks which cost them the season, you can immediately see the difference. The coverage was bad and it was absolutely attention to detail and change of system. CC is still the Hawks best goalie, but they absolutely hung the goalies out to dry in the first few months of the season. The only reason it didn't end up worse on the scoresheet is that the opposition would take their foot off the gas after going up 3-0 5 minutes into the game. Lately, it has been more the opposite score effect with them having a lead more often and actually having to deal with push back from the opposition.

Things like getting Murphy back and jettisoning Manning made a difference to the team and the improvement is plain to see.

The Seabs contract really looks like it might be what keeps this team from being a legit playoff team. Swap that contract out for a legit top 4 D-men and the Hawks look a lot better. I love Seabs but that contract is just crippling and I am not sure their is anything the Hawks can do about it b/c Strome and Dcat will need to be paid in a year. You have to hope that 1-2 D prospects step in and play like experienced top 4 defenders. Those ECLs offset Seabs boat anchor.

Correct me if I am wrong but the Hawks still can't use the Hossa cap space until the start of each season correct? Cap compliant on day 1 then the space can be used?
- bhawks2241

That would be true if they still had Hossa on their roster - which they don't since he was traded to AZ last summer.

Don't need stats. Again, if you go back and watch the trainwreck the D was in their losing streaks which cost them the season, you can immediately see the difference. The coverage was bad and it was absolutely attention to detail and change of system. CC is still the Hawks best goalie, but they absolutely hung the goalies out to dry in the first few months of the season. The only reason it didn't end up worse on the scoresheet is that the opposition would take their foot off the gas after going up 3-0 5 minutes into the game. Lately, it has been more the opposite score effect with them having a lead more often and actually having to deal with push back from the opposition.

Things like getting Murphy back and jettisoning Manning made a difference to the team and the improvement is plain to see.
- breadbag

Since I do like to also back up what I say with thought out evidence, I'll add some context to the GAA stat that makes it more relevant.

If you look at those first games when the Hawks were playing like absolute garbage (~the first 33 games) while the score was still close, they had a goal % in the toilet second last in the league at 41.33% and GAA of 3.69 (3.31 at even strength)

Since then, over more than half a season of games, they've had a positive goal%, GAA of 3.17 ( 2.75 at even strength).

They improved their offense (at even strength, not just on the PP) while allowing goals a much lower rate. They've played with the lead more, blown leads less and won more games. These are just the facts.

Hey....if you want to take personal shots, lets go revisit the time Q scratched ole Victor Stalberg and how that derailed the Hawks season because "he lost the room".

Right......19-13-6 since 1/1......is that really in 2nd place behind the Blues? I find that hard to believe, but I would have to be shown that.

Keep on waiving your Hawks flag down there while enjoying the 4 pm buffet.

- SteveRain

LOL.

It is 4 oclock somewhere.

Here is the best fact about the whole Stalberg thing. In that detroit series, when he was taken out, they lost, when he played, they won.

Just more of that factual irony. In between episodes of Judge Judy, look up the box scores.... you may be surprised.

Let me know also how the players love missing the playoffs but hang their hats on "coming up 2 or 3 wins from a playoff spot over 82 games, not bad"

Their is difference between loving to win, and hating to lose. Most athletes I know hate to lose more then anything else......but hey, they almost made it...…

Priceless.
- SteveRain

Here is a little dose of reality.

Yes all athletes hate the lose. 29 other teams will have failed to reach their goal.

As fans, we have no impact on that outcome, though some may think they do.

Those are mutually exclusive issues. meaning one has nothing to do with the other.

As fans, if you can not at the vary least acknowledge the trajectory of the team is upward, then I do not know what to say. If you need more...then I guess you are a better fan than me.

Weather alert.....mostly cloudy with a chance of Rain

Favorite things from this season:

1. Kane
2. Strome/Perlini for Tinkerbell

But please....let's dispense with the "We gotta beat the Blues" mantra.

It rings just as hollow as a 2-10 Bears team getting all pumped to play a 10-2 Packers team. Any points gained drive their draft position down, and it also suggests that they somehow care more and can give more effort in those games. If the potential for more effort can be there for those vanity games, then where was it elsewhere during the year?

It is going to be a long way back to legitimate cup contention - as in 19/88 will never sniff a chance again. However, maybe not so long to be a four and out playoff team drafting #15 again if they get repeat performances from core guys and happen to be able to substitute some has beens and wannabes with true NHL talent.

Eight years of inattention to the pipeline of new players cost this team dearly. Maybe the last two draft seasons bear some fruit - very much TBD.

I am anxiously awaiting McD's spin when asked about his belief this was a playoff team - if he allows that question at all.

I hope you don't own a gun.
- paulr

Every real red blooded American owns at least three.

Here is a little dose of reality.

Yes all athletes hate the lose. 29 other teams will have failed to reach their goal.

As fans, we have no impact on that outcome, though some may think they do.

Those are mutually exclusive issues. meaning one has nothing to do with the other.

As fans, if you can not at the vary least acknowledge the trajectory of the team is upward, then I do not know what to say. If you need more...then I guess you are a better fan than me.

Weather alert.....mostly cloudy with a chance of Rain
- TrueGrit

Check the quotes today from kane and Crawford, and let me know where they talk about only missing it by a few wins.

Ride a rainbow to eternal optimism for me......

LOL.

It is 4 oclock somewhere.

Here is the best fact about the whole Stalberg thing. In that detroit series, when he was taken out, they lost, when he played, they won.

Just more of that factual irony. In between episodes of Judge Judy, look up the box scores.... you may be surprised.
- TrueGrit

Yeah, he had no impact in that series. They were 1-1 vs Detroit without him and 1-1 vs Boston without him

0-3-3 pts, and a nice -1 in 19 games.

Such a huge part....they shockingly didn't bring him back the following year.

I always thought you were related or his agent....

Toews scoring more points this season than any other...how's that for a comeback?

Here is a little dose of reality.

Yes all athletes hate the lose. 29 other teams will have failed to reach their goal.

As fans, we have no impact on that outcome, though some may think they do.

Those are mutually exclusive issues. meaning one has nothing to do with the other.

As fans, if you can not at the vary least acknowledge the trajectory of the team is upward, then I do not know what to say. If you need more...then I guess you are a better fan than me.

Weather alert.....mostly cloudy with a chance of Rain
- TrueGrit

I never said they were doomed.

I said their D is a disaster, and their inability of role guys to help chip in on a consistent basis also played a large part in their missing the playoffs.

Do they have some nice pieces? Sure....are they closer to a cup now then were they were last year? Debatable. I don't think they took a step back, but they got a lot of BIG years from key guys and they had a small increase in the standings.

BIg offseason for Stan. Has to get help on that blue line.