Justin Lowe: So, How Does Everyone Feel Today? The Hawks suffered a loss to a lesser Canucks team last night. This was as much of a must-win game that they've had all year and they blew it.

Where do they go from here?

The Nashville win really messed up the plans.

Unless they go on an extended losing streak they'll remain "in the hunt" but its gonna be the same poop from them the rest of the way.

I'm fine if they want to sell AA, but i wouldn't make too many other moves.

The Canucks aren't really that less of a team. In fact they are the same team with worse goaltending. Aging vets with hard working kids that show promise.

Realistically should be looking to sell/ reload for next year w core the want long term.

Worst thing they can do is give up assets just to chase making the playoffs. Would just set them back further from the bigger adjustment that needs to occur.

Hey Justin. The lesser team lost last night.

I would keep Jurco. He looks like he could be a solid 3rd 4th liner that is not going to cost much, plus his return on the trade market would be so small. of the 3 mentioned I would move KEMP and Or Rutta because they both could get ok contracts as UFA's and the hawks would not be able to match them. Gus is the same as Jurco. he is going to return nothing. but players tend to overpay for D help compared to Forwards. I would Move AA if in 3 weeks they are in the same spot as today. IMO the hawks should strive to have the oldest players on this team be keith and Kane. I would move everybody else. This should have been the plan all along and we might have had another CUP. We would have never let SAAD leave. and never signed Seabs to his deal. I'm also starting to worry that Craw will never be right and that is another dead weight contract. Seabs would have to be a buyout. In regard to Craw I know there were rumors before they floated concussion Vertigo. I still think something happened over Christmas that started all of this. IE a off the ice injury that caused the above. I could be wrong but with his history and how odd the info came out seems like damage control.

I would keep Jurco. He looks like he could be a solid 3rd 4th liner that is not going to cost much, plus his return on the trade market would be so small. of the 3 mentioned I would move KEMP and Or Rutta because they both could get ok contracts as UFA's and the hawks would not be able to match them. Gus is the same as Jurco. he is going to return nothing. but players tend to overpay for D help compared to Forwards. I would Move AA if in 3 weeks they are in the same spot as today. IMO the hawks should strive to have the oldest players on this team be keith and Kane. I would move everybody else. This should have been the plan all along and we might have had another CUP. We would have never let SAAD leave. and never signed Seabs to his deal. I'm also starting to worry that Craw will never be right and that is another dead weight contract. Seabs would have to be a buyout. In regard to Craw I know there were rumors and went they bot strong the said concussion Vertigo. I still think something happened over Christmas that started all of this. IE a off the ice injury that caused the above. I could be wrong but with his history and how odd the info came out seems like damage control.
- kmw4631

Jesus you guys with your conspiracy theories. You have no idea what happened, all teams are quiet about head injuries.

My feeling of what's happening at this moment is Stan is furthering his discussions internally and externally to execute his contingency plan of making the Hawks "sellers."

If the selling plan is approved by John McDonough and Co., then expect the Hawks to do what they can to move pieces from now until deadline day.

Where's Q on all of this? And only periphery players to be dealt?
Keith could bring some nice asset's and trading AA for a Hanzal return
works.

If we could trade Wingels, Bouma and bring up Highmore and Hayden
and go with

12-19-91
48-15-88
20-Highmore-8
13-64-40

and then with a Kempny move which I wouldn't do unless Q is coming
back, try Dahlstrom somewhere.

Stan's best move has been hiring Coliton in the Rock.

Tomorrow - @ Calgary
Feb 6 – Calgary
Feb 8 – Dallas
Feb 10 - @Minnesota
Feb 12 - @ Arizona
Feb 13 – @Vegas
Feb 15 – Anaheim
Feb 17 – Washington
Feb 19 – LA
Feb 21 – Ottawa
Feb 23 – San Jose
Feb 24th - @Columbus


holy poop....

as i have said no way they go on a run with that schedule: i bottom feeder (AZ) in the next 9 games...good luck...

the fire sale trigger could begin as early post home game vs flames: a split or losing this home and home and they are done...

Bogie said: “as i have said no way they go on a run with that schedule: i bottom feeder (AZ) in the next 9 games...good luck...”

I say: they need to be playing the teams ahead of them, not bottom feeders.

15 games left against the teams ahead of them in the wild card race - including LAK, Ducks, Sharks.

They control their own destiny.

The Canucks aren't really that less of a team. In fact they are the same team with worse goaltending. Aging vets with hard working kids that show promise.
- GPHawksfan

Agreed, the teams have some parallels. Also props to your username as I grew up around GP.

For what it is worth, I think the Hawks have an edge in coaching.

Bogie said: “as i have said no way they go on a run with that schedule: i bottom feeder (AZ) in the next 9 games...good luck...”

I say: they need to be playing the teams ahead of them, not bottom feeders.

15 games left against the teams ahead of them in the wild card race - including LAK, Ducks, Sharks.

They control their own destiny.
- StLBravesFan

sage i agree...but other than the wild and the jets they have shown no ability to beat those teams...

these flame games will reveal alot about this team

To clarify, the line "The Hawks suffered a loss to a lesser Canucks team last night." was referring to the standings.

The Hawks had 55 points heading into that game, the Canucks had 46. The Canucks had LESS points.

Full props to the Canucks last night. They were the better team and they have some exciting young players with more exciting players on the way.

I stay positive ,but with Coach Q seeming uninterested coaching style .And mystifying personnel decisions . If he is at the helm ,it may be time to pack it in till a change behind the bench is made . We may have to look at making the dive for 5 or the Dalhan Dive as it be .. GO HAWKS !!!!!!!! ( One way or the other )

Realistically should be looking to sell/ reload for next year w core the want long term.

Worst thing they can do is give up assets just to chase making the playoffs. Would just set them back further from the bigger adjustment that needs to occur.
- Gerk

that is the general sentiment here...no more overpaying for rentals...they have not got the assets to do that...they stanbow (i like our team) know it...

I stay positive ,but with Coach Q seeming uninterested coaching style .And mystifying personnel decisions . If he is at the helm ,it may be time to pack it in till a change behind the bench is made . We may have to look at making the dive for 5 or the Dalhan Dive as it be .. GO HAWKS !!!!!!!! ( One way or the other )
- oldduffman

now there's news....

Agreed, the teams have some parallels. Also props to your username as I grew up around GP.

For what it is worth, I think the Hawks have an edge in coaching.
- breadbag

I agree about the coaching thing and think Quenneville is a good coach but that's the easiest swap. I bet he gets at least next year and then a change will be made if the team doesn't improve. But even if they so improve its not like they're gonna be the dominant team they once were. I don't think Winnipeg, Nashville and St Louis are going to get worse overnight. Colorado and Dallas have turned things around. The division is still tough and teams could be rotating making and missing the playoffs for the next five years or so. At some point the Pacific teams have to improve too.

now there's news....
- bogiedoc

I know

To clarify, the line "The Hawks suffered a loss to a lesser Canucks team last night." was referring to the standings.

The Hawks had 55 points heading into that game, the Canucks had 46. The Canucks had LESS points.

Full props to the Canucks last night. They were the better team and they have some exciting young players with more exciting players on the way.
- Justin Lowe

Fair enough. The Hawks did look dangerous at times, which speaks to the durability and talent of the likes of Toews, Kane, Keith, and the like.

It was a very good game from both teams. Fun to watch.

Realistically should be looking to sell/ reload for next year w core the want long term.

Worst thing they can do is give up assets just to chase making the playoffs. Would just set them back further from the bigger adjustment that needs to occur.
- Gerk

I don't think there is anyone on the current roster that they definitely want to build around for the long term (meaning five years or more.)

They have the old core that will likely be around for the next year or two or few: Kane, Keith, Toews, Crawford. They have Seabrook who they are probably stuck with for at least another season.

There are a lot of young guys, some of whom are showing some promise, but it is a bit too early to declare a new core. Schmaltz, Saad, DeBrincat, and Duclair are all playing in the top six right now, that says something. Kampf seems like he has potential to be a solid bottom six center. Are any of these guys the new core or next core? TBD.

There is a talent gap on the roster. They need to add some guys who are in their prime during the off season to really compete next year. That and bounce back seasons from the older guys and next step or two development from the younger guys. That could work. For next year. For this year, I hope they can make the playoffs but I don't see much buying happening for the Blackhawks in the next couple of weeks.

To clarify, the line "The Hawks suffered a loss to a lesser Canucks team last night." was referring to the standings.

The Hawks had 55 points heading into that game, the Canucks had 46. The Canucks had LESS points.

Full props to the Canucks last night. They were the better team and they have some exciting young players with more exciting players on the way.
- Justin Lowe

there you go being all objective again.

Everyone should be available on this team for the right price as Ted Diabiasse used to say.

Everyone should be available on this team for the right price as Ted Diabiasse used to say.
- BlackhawkMike

you got that stanbow...open season on your roster

Fair enough. The Hawks did look dangerous at times, which speaks to the durability and talent of the likes of Toews, Kane, Keith, and the like.

It was a very good game from both teams. Fun to watch.
- Slip and slap

A problem with the Hawks is that they always LOOK dangerous - but can’t turn that into goals.

They are third in the league in CF% (all strengths), but 15th in goals scored.