And the standings and record from 1/1/14 to the close of last season was 18-14-9 say the same thing...avg to slightly above avg team. That is 26-18-10 over there last 54 gmes.
- bogiedoc

Avg to slightly above avg teams don't make it to game 7 OT of the conference final.

Right now, this teams issue is clearly playing on the road, and i think they'll correct it in time when the games become more meaningful. Not worried about them having to show up for big road playoff games. But for now, they seem to be slow, uninterested, constantly turning it over too much throughout the first 40 mins or so of their road games before finally playing the way they're capable of.

4-1-1 at home

2-3-0 on the road, both wins were SOs

And aside from the record just watching us defend its been like watching 2 completely different teams. One thats sloppy and one thats rock solid.

We completely shut down the Ducks at home, their one legit chance came on a fluke shorthanded breakaway.

Then poof! All of a sudden we go on the road against a couple teams that aren't nearly as dangerous as the Ducks are offensively, and yet we give up scoring chances left and right...

I think it's now obvious after an 11 game sample size that this Hawks team is out of sync and not playing up to their abilities.

I think it's time for them to sit Bickell a few games and call up either McNeill or Danault. I also think Saad could also use some time in the press box - if nothing more than to show them their spots are not given but must be earned each and every game.

With Saad, I think either the pressure of this being a contract year is getting to him - or he just assumed he is the next "annointed one" - without keeping his focus and drive. This was the problem with Pirri and look where that got him. They need to LTIR Carcillo and call up a couple of the kids - just to have options with under performing veterans.

I think it's now obvious after an 11 game sample size that this Hawks team is out of sync and not playing up to their abilities.

I think it's time for them to sit Bickell a few games and call up either McNeill or Danault. I also think Saad could also use some time in the press box - if nothing more than to show them their spots are not given but must be earned each and every game.

With Saad, I think either the pressure of this being a contract year is getting to him - or he just assumed he is the next "annointed one" - without keeping his focus and drive. This was the problem with Pirri and look where that got him. They need to LTIR Carcillo and call up a couple of the kids - just to have options with under performing veterans.
- dahawks8819

Hell no, why would u bench those guys and replace them with unproven kids? Both those guys u mentioned are proven NHLers that can both play in the top 6 in necessary. Both have had some flashes this season, just haven't been consistent. But who really has? You gonna bench Richards, Oduya, Shaw, etc while you're at it? Keep things as are. Id go back to Saad with Bickell and Richards on the 3rd line. They had maybe the best single game any line of ours has had all year against the Flyers. Not sure why they were broken up after that game... Then put Morin back on the 4th line where i think he had his best game of the year against the Ducks.

23-19-81
10-65-88
29-91-20
11-16-28

AAAAAAaaaaand now I am officially worried....
I honestly think this team is done...and it might be best to get rid of a few guys and let the young guns in Rockford learn the ropes

Baked? Fried? Beer battered?
- Elbows15

Broiled.

Yeah he's right.

AAAAAAaaaaand now I am officially worried....
I honestly think this team is done...and it might be best to get rid of a few guys and let the young guns in Rockford learn the ropes
- captainserious

Done? As in finished being a contender?

Tonight is their 8th game in 13 days. Most of those games have been played with a backup goaltender beteween the pipes and a raw right handed shooting defenceman playing the left side full time. Last night, TVR got huge minutes and proved he could handle it. Darling (perhaps unexpectedly) proved he could handle NHL play.

9 of the 11 games have been one goal decisions. With relatively mediocre and inconsistent play from Shaw, Sharp, Saad, Bickell and even Kane and Keith. And Richards being generally horrible.

So I guess that constitutes being done. Darryl Sutter would probably agree with you and throw in the towel on the season too. Their reign of dominance is over. What do you think Bowman can get for Toews if he trades him this week to start the rebuild?

I know I am being a hommer , but that hit on Oduya that led to the winning goal , not a penalty .??? definitely a cheap shot in the back . Richards is looking better every game , get him some regular line mates . And get Bicks back with Shaw and maybe Morin . HAWKS lost worse to Toronto last year , and came back to be fairly relevant in the playoffs .It's a long season lot of up's and downs .Go pound the peg tonight and level the Hab's and all will be well . ..GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!

Hell no, why would u bench those guys and replace them with unproven kids? Both those guys u mentioned are proven NHLers that can both play in the top 6 in necessary. Both have had some flashes this season, just haven't been consistent. But who really has? You gonna bench Richards, Oduya, Shaw, etc while you're at it? Keep things as are. Id go back to Saad with Bickell and Richards on the 3rd line. They had maybe the best single game any line of ours has had all year against the Flyers. Not sure why they were broken up after that game... Then put Morin back on the 4th line where i think he had his best game of the year against the Ducks.

23-19-81
10-65-88
29-91-20
11-16-28
- SimpleJack

Saad (just 22) and Shaw (23) are both in only their 2nd full seasons, and are apparently not as quick to mature into their ultimate roles as some others in the league, but neither they nor Bickell gave yet proven themselves to be other than bottom-6 performers with issues.

Given their problems, the Hawks are still left with only 4 proven top-6 skaters, leading to Q's Cuisinart (or is it a Waring blende?) running on pulse to try to find a good combination.

Richards has certainly played better recently - maybe his first goal will get him going - I think he should be given a good long look at 2C.

But the inability of Saad/Shaw/Bickell to come and and demonstrably win top-6 positions hasn't helped get this team off to a good start.

This forum has really become a disappointment. I used to come here to read about the Blackhawks and It has become nothing but a pit a vipers attacking each other for what each believe is or isn't wrong with the Blackhawks. You people really need to grow the hell up and learn to respect the opinions of others whether you agree or not.

Avg to slightly above avg teams don't make it to game 7 OT of the conference final.

Right now, this teams issue is clearly playing on the road, and i think they'll correct it in time when the games become more meaningful. Not worried about them having to show up for big road playoff games. But for now, they seem to be slow, uninterested, constantly turning it over too much throughout the first 40 mins or so of their road games before finally playing the way they're capable of.

4-1-1 at home

2-3-0 on the road, both wins were SOs

And aside from the record just watching us defend its been like watching 2 completely different teams. One thats sloppy and one thats rock solid.

We completely shut down the Ducks at home, their one legit chance came on a fluke shorthanded breakaway.

Then poof! All of a sudden we go on the road against a couple teams that aren't nearly as dangerous as the Ducks are offensively, and yet we give up scoring chances left and right...
- SimpleJack

I guess we will just have to wait until they are down 2-0 and 3-1 in series to test your assertion again.

Saad (just 22) and Shaw (23) are both in only their 2nd full seasons, and are apparently not as quick to mature into their ultimate roles as some others in the league, but neither they nor Bickell gave yet proven themselves to be other than bottom-6 performers with issues.

Given their problems, the Hawks are still left with only 4 proven top-6 skaters, leading to Q's Cuisinart (or is it a Waring blende?) running on pulse to try to find a good combination.

Richards has certainly played better recently - maybe his first goal will get him going - I think he should be given a good long look at 2C.

But the inability of Saad/Shaw/Bickell to come and and demonstrably win top-6 positions hasn't helped get this team off to a good start.
- StLBravesFan

yes...have said that often lately...let him play with kane and saad over multiple gmes and see if it morphs into something good...my gawd Kane 5 on 5 has only 1 pt in 11 gmes. This must change.

Bicks...I dont have any answers anymore...last year it was his knee...

Shaw needs to be a 3rd line winger and on the pp....done. BTW he absolutely got mauled and assaulted with his net presense in the 3rd last night.

When a goalie withstands a blitz like that in the 3rd...you shake his hand and move on..Reimer was outstanding.

AAAAAAaaaaand now I am officially worried....
I honestly think this team is done...and it might be best to get rid of a few guys and let the young guns in Rockford learn the ropes
- captainserious

Above post is this board in a nutshell


Team is DONE? A few games into the season?

But for now, they seem to be slow, uninterested, constantly turning it over too much throughout the first 40 mins or so of their road games before finally playing the way they're capable of.


- SimpleJack

This has been a hallmark of this team for several years now. I don't know why so many here get all bent out of shape that the team seems a little disinterested during the regular season.

It's obvious to me this isn't going to change with this group.

I agree Bickell, Saad, even Sharp could use some reduced ice time or a trip to the press box.

The season is fine...things will work out. TVR is simply put going to be a stalwart on that blueline.

Time to put Richards at L2C, he's playing well lately.

Only regret is simply no grinders to muck it up down low. Shaw is about the only guy who can or will do this (Kruger perhaps as well). Most teams have 3 or 4 of these guys. We have the elite talent, the stars...now we need someone to do the dirty work.

The season is fine...things will work out. TVR is simply put going to be a stalwart on that blueline.

Time to put Richards at L2C, he's playing well lately.

Only regret is simply no grinders to muck it up down low. Shaw is about the only guy who can or will do this (Kruger perhaps as well). Most teams have 3 or 4 of these guys. We have the elite talent, the stars...now we need someone to do the dirty work.
- kwolf68

Well, which grinders in 2013 aren't here anymore:

Bolland? Yes, good grinder, especially in the play-offs.

Frolik? No, good on the PK and 4th line, but not a mucker. Stalburg? No, speed to no apparent purpose. Bollig? Only played in 5 tournament games. Handzus? Surprisingly effective at center, but not particularly effective in the dirty areas.

The grinders on the last Cup team (besides Bolland) were Bickell, Shaw, Toews, Kruger - all still here (as are the defenseman, except for Leddy - not a crease clearing presence). The ones who played big, tough after game 4 against Detroit are still wearing the Indianhead on their sweaters.

They don't need to GET NEW grinders - they need to GET THE ONES THEY HAVE going.

This forum has really become a disappointment. I used to come here to read about the Blackhawks and It has become nothing but a pit a vipers attacking each other for what each believe is or isn't wrong with the Blackhawks. You people really need to grow the hell up and learn to respect the opinions of others whether you agree or not.
- mmurray892

AAAAAAaaaaand now I am officially worried....
I honestly think this team is done...and it might be best to get rid of a few guys and let the young guns in Rockford learn the ropes
- captainserious

Cant handle a little early season bump in the road without losing faith in the ultimate goal??

Who cares if Hawks lose some hockey games this season? Let´s tank for McDavid!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F61NFpf72b4

Well, which grinders in 2013 aren't here anymore:

Bolland? Yes, good grinder, especially in the play-offs.

Frolik? No, good on the PK and 4th line, but not a mucker. Stalburg? No, speed to no apparent purpose. Bollig? Only played in 5 tournament games. Handzus? Surprisingly effective at center, but not particularly effective in the dirty areas.

The grinders on the last Cup team (besides Bolland) were Bickell, Shaw, Toews, Kruger - all still here (as are the defenseman, except for Leddy - not a crease clearing presence). The ones who played big, tough after game 4 against Detroit are still wearing the Indianhead on their sweaters.

They don't need to GET NEW grinders - they need to GET THE ONES THEY HAVE going.
- StLBravesFan

[quote=CaptainBlackhawk]
If you read all these post I think he was against all these ledge people and just jokingly jumping on board with the Doom and gloomer's!

If you read all these post I think he was against all these ledge people and just jokingly jumping on board with the Doom and gloomer's!
- moots

Ur probably right

After a long hiatus, Oduya's Pizza was open for business last night, Reimer stood on his head, and too much perimeter play - again.

Until this Hawk forward crew commits to sacking up as a group in the slot and in front of the net, this sort of play will continue to be the norm.

This forum has really become a disappointment. I used to come here to read about the Blackhawks and It has become nothing but a pit a vipers attacking each other for what each believe is or isn't wrong with the Blackhawks. You people really need to grow the hell up and learn to respect the opinions of others whether you agree or not.
- mmurray892

This. I am starting to look for JJ's new blog so I can HEAR ABOUT HOCKEY and then ignore everything after the first page or so of comments. There should be 2 blogs, one for hockey talk, one for intellectual insults against people's opinions. That would keep it straight.

This. I am starting to look for JJ's new blog so I can HEAR ABOUT HOCKEY and then ignore everything after the first page or so of comments. There should be 2 blogs, one for hockey talk, one for intellectual insults against people's opinions. That would keep it straight.
- ZenlarTheRed

Rather than two blogs dividing the two, let's just go with sticking to talking hockey. Leave the snark, condescending attitudes, insults, name-calling, and pissing matches out of it entirely.