Exactly! I had high hopes for JC, but am unimpressed so far. If he's not succeeding because 4 players earning 33 million a year combined won't give the effort, the "core" needs to be shaken to theirs.
- tvetter

So if the core players won’t give the effort, how can you shake them up if they all have albatross deals and NMCs?

If anything their lack of performance and/or unwillingness to take direction makes them even LESS desirable to other teams.

In the end the contracts have handcuffed the team, the coaches and the C-Suite.

The best case scenario is to play away from the team weaknesses instead of playing a style of hockey that accentuates them.

Never going to succeed when half of the team can’t/won’t roll with the changes. Making that change is the job of the coach to get buy in. JC is not getting that done.

Seabrook clarifies his statements re: not playing

https://theathletic.com/1...ut-his-blackhawks-future/

Also confirms that he's not comfortable playing in JC's system yet. And before everyone jumps not the "they've all had a year to get used to it" wagon, remember that the system was quickly abandoned last year in favor of "score as many as you can as fast as you can."

While I would agree that the vets owe 100% effort every night, I feel like they are giving it most nights. Doesn't change the fact that 1) they look lost half the time, and 2) his system doesn't seem to exploit the talents of the Kanes and DBCs on the team. He's got to figure that out because right now, you're losing games by wasting your two top offensive talents.

Seabrook clarifies his statements re: not playing

https://theathletic.com/1...ut-his-blackhawks-future/

Also confirms that he's not comfortable playing in JC's system yet. And before everyone jumps not the "they've all had a year to get used to it" wagon, remember that the system was quickly abandoned last year in favor of "score as many as you can as fast as you can."

While I would agree that the vets owe 100% effort every night, I feel like they are giving it most nights. Doesn't change the fact that 1) they look lost half the time, and 2) his system doesn't seem to exploit the talents of the Kanes and DBCs on the team. He's got to figure that out because right now, you're losing games by wasting your two top offensive talents.
- pdx2ord

Here is the quote: “I think I got a lot to offer this team,” Seabrook said after the Blackhawks’ practice. “I want to be in Chicago, help this team. I think I still got a lot in the tank. It’s obviously frustrating when you’re not playing. Like I said, I feel like I got lots to offer this group, and I want to be here in Chicago.”

Benching comment: “I feel like I still got a lot to offer in this league and still be a good player for somebody,”

I don't think he cleared anything up. They could both reflect his thoughts an desire. He has something to offer whether here or somewhere else.

“I don’t think it’s been bad,” Seabrook said. “I’ve been on for some goals, some tough goals here and there. Obviously I would like to be producing more, and it sucks when you’re on for goals. Try and make that a big part of my game and take a lot of pride in not being out there being scored against, things like that, whether it’s the penalty kill or 5-on-5. To assess my season, it’s been a tough season all around.”


Not bad...just tough.

So if the core players won’t give the effort, how can you shake them up if they all have albatross deals and NMCs?

If anything their lack of performance and/or unwillingness to take direction makes them even LESS desirable to other teams.

In the end the contracts have handcuffed the team, the coaches and the C-Suite.

The best case scenario is to play away from the team weaknesses instead of playing a style of hockey that accentuates them.

Never going to succeed when half of the team can’t/won’t roll with the changes. Making that change is the job of the coach to get buy in. JC is not getting that done.
- Return of the Roar

Shake them up by not playing them. We have 8 dmen, so press box Seabs and Keith.

call me the contrarian...with all this piling on about "the system"...I don't buy it.

How does the system impact the poopty passing and biffing of oddmans and breakaways?

How does the system impact lack of will and energy with board battles?

How does the system impact consistently shooting high and wide and missing the net?

How does the system impact a worthless pp with few shots on goal and less quality chances?

How does the system explain #19 with one assist on an empty net and no goals off his stick and career worse fancy stats?

How does the system impact throwing the puck away infront of your own net?

They were trending down defensively the final 3 years of Q and they certainly knew his system. And they still have problems defensively other than spectactular play in net that gives them a chance.

system my ass...these guys have played organized hockey their entire life and many of them in the NHL for over 10 years. They had last year, the off season and preseason to learn the system.

Here is the quote: “I think I got a lot to offer this team,” Seabrook said after the Blackhawks’ practice. “I want to be in Chicago, help this team. I think I still got a lot in the tank. It’s obviously frustrating when you’re not playing. Like I said, I feel like I got lots to offer this group, and I want to be here in Chicago.”

Benching comment: “I feel like I still got a lot to offer in this league and still be a good player for somebody,”

I don't think he cleared anything up. They could both reflect his thoughts an desire. He has something to offer whether here or somewhere else.

“I don’t think it’s been bad,” Seabrook said. “I’ve been on for some goals, some tough goals here and there. Obviously I would like to be producing more, and it sucks when you’re on for goals. Try and make that a big part of my game and take a lot of pride in not being out there being scored against, things like that, whether it’s the penalty kill or 5-on-5. To assess my season, it’s been a tough season all around.”


Not bad...just tough.
- bogiedoc

Or ... he could be a veteran player in denial that he isn't good enough anymore ... it happens.

call me the contrarian...with all this piling on about "the system"...I don't buy it.

How does the system impact the poopty passing and biffing of oddmans and breakaways?

How does the system impact lack of will and energy with board battles?

How does the system impact consistently shooting high and wide and missing the net?

How does the system impact a worthless pp with few shots on goal and less quality chances?

How does the system explain #19 with one assist on an empty net and no goals off his stick and career worse fancy stats?

How does the system impact throwing the puck away infront of your own net?

They were trending down defensively the final 3 years of Q and they certainly knew his system. And they still have problems defensively other than spectactular play in net that gives them a chance.

system my ass...these guys have played organized hockey their entire life and many of them in the NHL for over 10 years. They had last year, the off season and preseason to learn the system.
- bogiedoc

They played too many high level games. These regular season games aren't that interesting to them. This is from their own words. Read Lazerus' book.

Seabrook clarifies his statements re: not playing

https://theathletic.com/1...ut-his-blackhawks-future/

Also confirms that he's not comfortable playing in JC's system yet. And before everyone jumps not the "they've all had a year to get used to it" wagon, remember that the system was quickly abandoned last year in favor of "score as many as you can as fast as you can."

While I would agree that the vets owe 100% effort every night, I feel like they are giving it most nights. Doesn't change the fact that 1) they look lost half the time, and 2) his system doesn't seem to exploit the talents of the Kanes and DBCs on the team. He's got to figure that out because right now, you're losing games by wasting your two top offensive talents.
- pdx2ord

Yes. JC Get Kane going for sure. That was reason alone to watch last year until Kane mailed it in with 10 games to go. Amazing 72 games by Kane. Was worth watching for him alone

Look at HawkintheD bogarting all the questions in 1 "question"......

Hog. ;
- mohel

Here is the quote: “I think I got a lot to offer this team,” Seabrook said after the Blackhawks’ practice. “I want to be in Chicago, help this team. I think I still got a lot in the tank. It’s obviously frustrating when you’re not playing. Like I said, I feel like I got lots to offer this group, and I want to be here in Chicago.”

Benching comment: “I feel like I still got a lot to offer in this league and still be a good player for somebody,”

I don't think he cleared anything up. They could both reflect his thoughts an desire. He has something to offer whether here or somewhere else.

“I don’t think it’s been bad,” Seabrook said. “I’ve been on for some goals, some tough goals here and there. Obviously I would like to be producing more, and it sucks when you’re on for goals. Try and make that a big part of my game and take a lot of pride in not being out there being scored against, things like that, whether it’s the penalty kill or 5-on-5. To assess my season, it’s been a tough season all around.”


Not bad...just tough.
- bogiedoc

Very few players describe themselves (or others) as bad to the press. This could simply just be vernacular as well

Scott Powers
@ByScottPowers
·
3m
Blackhawks lines appeared to be:
Saad-Toews-Nylander
Kubalik-Kampf-Kane
Caggiula-Dach-Shaw-Smith
DeBrincat-Carpenter-Strome

- pdx2ord

Nylander/Kubalik playing oppo? Leave the lines to let the young bucks get comfortable. Over/under on how many games JC has left at the helm +/- 25?

Great, now the Cacoon Posse will turn on me.....
- mohel

Wtf dude???

I agree with it too. I think Dach has not looked IU of place and wouldn’t be surprised to see his minutes go up as he continues to acclimate.

The Boqvist move I’m a little less hyped about but as was pointed out, Gus’ offense hasn’t flashed like last season. Maybe this provides a burr in his saddle and the Hawks can get something for him. I have a hard time believing he’s part of the long term plan.

Wtf dude???

I agree with it too. I think Dach has not looked IU of place and wouldn’t be surprised to see his minutes go up as he continues to acclimate.

The Boqvist move I’m a little less hyped about but as was pointed out, Gus’ offense hasn’t flashed like last season. Maybe this provides a burr in his saddle and the Hawks can get something for him. I have a hard time believing he’s part of the long term plan.
- HawkintheD

IMO, he was brought up to (a) get a look at his game in the Show, (b) showing the organization and player where his game is today, (c) and what he still needs to work on, as well as (d) show Gus that he is not assured of games going forward.

He will be back in Rockford after the Sharks game on Tuesday.

Unless, of course....

Wtf dude???

I agree with it too. I think Dach has not looked IU of place and wouldn’t be surprised to see his minutes go up as he continues to acclimate.

The Boqvist move I’m a little less hyped about but as was pointed out, Gus’ offense hasn’t flashed like last season. Maybe this provides a burr in his saddle and the Hawks can get something for him. I have a hard time believing he’s part of the long term plan.
- HawkintheD

Stan has a plethora of trade chips for the deadline should this team end up not contending. Only 6 of the 23 on the roster have NMC.

They played too many high level games. These regular season games aren't that interesting to them. This is from their own words. Read Lazerus' book.
- just69sayin

The thing is if they don't play the regular games well enough then there are no high level games. I'm sure it sucks to have to get dragged out of a comfort zone, but the vets can't do the regular season in cruise control any more. A band-aid here and there is isn't going to get it done. As much as it would kill me not watching Kane every game, trading him for a bunch is all they have left. I don't think they can get game changing results trading Keith, Seabrook, or Toews even if they could. That ship has sailed. Older players in a young mans game with anchors for contracts. But they will keep selling it because it's money first, not hockey. If anyone is sick of me saying this I'm sorry, but if you take care of the hockey the money always follows, especially in this town. That said though, they one system that never loses is the NHL draft system, where the winners draft last. It's fair for all, but it's a female dog when your time at the top is up.

Wtf dude???

I agree with it too. I think Dach has not looked IU of place and wouldn’t be surprised to see his minutes go up as he continues to acclimate.

The Boqvist move I’m a little less hyped about but as was pointed out, Gus’ offense hasn’t flashed like last season. Maybe this provides a burr in his saddle and the Hawks can get something for him. I have a hard time believing he’s part of the long term plan.
- HawkintheD

The Hawks are on a three game road swing, Boqvist could be just an extra body just in case. I hope #27 gets a chance to play, as long as it doesn't hurt his development I say give him a chance. At some point the club needs to turn to the youth and stick with them (and not trade them). The Hawks are losing while relying on the core, what do they have to lose?

Let the players play...

........elsewhere. So Perlini hasn't scored in his debut but Jokiharju has talllied tonight.
Washington is a scoring machine and i woder how well Jokiharju has fared in defensive coverage. Specificly i wat to see him against Ovechkin. But it looks like Jokiharju gets third pair possibly sheltered minutes judging by box scores. So a bit surprising Dahlin had assist on his goal.
- jhawk59

Joki was playing 2nd pair in the only Buffalo game I’ve watched this season.

These guys have been in the league long enough. They either got really poopty over night or are asked to do something stupid and they don't want to do it.
- fattybeef

If they want to win, these are the things they will have to do. They've gotten away with so many years of not having to get their hands dirty.

Gus appears to have been scratched

Here's JC's explanation on PP (still doesn't explain the Saad omission, but a direct hit to Toews)

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST

Colliton adding more context to the new PP units:

"To this point, the one unit has got the lion's share of the time, and if you're going to do that, you've got to score. Now it's going to be more of a competition."
- pdx2ord

What Gus a healthy scratch, finally, although wish Murphy was healthy. I really really really hope our PP with 27 scores. Finally

The Hawks are on a three game road swing, Boqvist could be just an extra body just in case. I hope #27 gets a chance to play, as long as it doesn't hurt his development I say give him a chance. At some point the club needs to turn to the youth and stick with them (and not trade them). The Hawks are losing while relying on the core, what do they have to lose?
- DarthKane

I thought he was given an opportunity to play with Keith. I'm not sure about that pair, but we shall see. I'm fine seeing what he's got. It's not like we have an undefeated record we're trying to protect.

I'm fine with a youth movement. As much as I would hate not seeing my favorite players, all of these retools & tweaks should just be a rebuild. I will always root for my team & want them to succeed, but I have more than enough patience to sit through a rebuild. It might be best.

Any theories on why Saad (who HAS been giving a 200' effort consistently) cannot get a bite at a PP role?

John Dietz
@johndietzdh
Here are your #Blackhawks power-play units at practice today. Brandon Saad is not on either unit.

Jonathan Toews moved down and is playing with FOUR rookies.
- pdx2ord

As great a start as he's shown, Saad's puck control has always been on the shaky side. Receiving passes in tight quarters isn't exactly his forte. Please don't laugh, but I sometimes wonder if he wouldn't benefit from a different style stick blade. The one he has currently, has a pronounced curve. Great for getting off high quality shots. But, both receiving and initiating passes? I sometimes wonder.

Flip Boqvist and Kubalik with Keith and Shaw and I like it.
- bhawks2241

I like Shaw on the 1st unit he usually does a really nice job of taking the goalies eyes away, 19 is really not good at this.

Seabrook clarifies his statements re: not playing

https://theathletic.com/1...ut-his-blackhawks-future/

Also confirms that he's not comfortable playing in JC's system yet. And before everyone jumps not the "they've all had a year to get used to it" wagon, remember that the system was quickly abandoned last year in favor of "score as many as you can as fast as you can."

While I would agree that the vets owe 100% effort every night, I feel like they are giving it most nights. Doesn't change the fact that 1) they look lost half the time, and 2) his system doesn't seem to exploit the talents of the Kanes and DBCs on the team. He's got to figure that out because right now, you're losing games by wasting your two top offensive talents.
- pdx2ord

He played great until that Philly game, all this other stuff is noise. He should of just owned it and said i didn't come to play against Philly and the coach reminded me ice time is a privilege not a given. The more 7 talks the more i understand why this team is playing losing hockey

If i was JC i would put a large size tissue box in 7s locker

As great a start as he's shown, Saad's puck control has always been on the shaky side. Receiving passes in tight quarters isn't exactly his forte. Please don't laugh, but I sometimes wonder if he wouldn't benefit from a different style stick blade. The one he has currently, has a pronounced curve. Great for getting off high quality shots. But, both receiving and initiating passes? I sometimes wonder.
- gabriel

Very good points and, I wouldn't laugh...I've wondered about him needing to change sticks for years. Either he has an eye/hand coordination issue, eyesight issue, or a stick problem. Only way to explain how many good shots he misses.

I thought he was given an opportunity to play with Keith. I'm not sure about that pair, but we shall see. I'm fine seeing what he's got. It's not like we have an undefeated record we're trying to protect.

I'm fine with a youth movement. As much as I would hate not seeing my favorite players, all of these retools & tweaks should just be a rebuild. I will always root for my team & want them to succeed, but I have more than enough patience to sit through a rebuild. It might be best.
- I Am The Breadman

Wassup, Bread? Agree with your patience remark. I have been spoiled to death by recent Hawk achievements. Never thought I'd live long enough to witness it. I'll always appreciate what they've done. So, now, it's a rebuild we have to undergo? I'll be pulling for them as hard as in the glory days.