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?
- RickJ

I admit it...my mistake...shouldn't have said done...But something is needed...as in a shake up of some sorts....either a trade from management, or Q has to get his head outta his ass and start rolling the lines consistently...Morin again in single digits last night....the only positive was that he trusted TVR more than usual...and a few bonehead give aways that usually don't happen pretty much killed them....I know it is only the beginning of the season, but you would like to at least see some consistency...my mistake on the done thing, but I just meant playing like this will not get this team the Cup...some consistency is needed and they aren't getting it right now...Shaw at 2nd line C has to end because he isn't cutting it

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

Nice post
TVR is going to be a top four defenseman. He patience with the puck is outstanding

I admit it...my mistake...shouldn't have said done...But something is needed...as in a shake up of some sorts....either a trade from management, or Q has to get his head outta his ass and start rolling the lines consistently...Morin again in single digits last night....the only positive was that he trusted TVR more than usual...and a few bonehead give aways that usually don't happen pretty much killed them....I know it is only the beginning of the season, but you would like to at least see some consistency...my mistake on the done thing, but I just meant playing like this will not get this team the Cup...some consistency is needed and they aren't getting it right now...Shaw at 2nd line C has to end because he isn't cutting it
- captainserious

Everybody is entitled to say they wish they hadn't used certain terminology-the team has been very frustrating to watch. But you can't say they are inconsistent - they consistently play 1 goal games and are being outscored 5 on 5 just about every night.

What is frustrating to me is that they seem to come out most nights not really ready to play at the start of a game and at the start of a period. That's on the coaching staff IMO. Part of the problem may be that so many of their players have played so much hckey over the last 3 years that they are having some motivational issues getting up for early season games. Admittedly, I'm looking for reasons as to why I'm seeing what I'm seeing.

For about the 50th time saying it, the play at the 2C and 3C positions has been inadequate. Not only are they small, they aren't they scoring 5 on 5, they are defensively weak and not working hard enough. The cap and one way contracts probably prevent it, but I'd like to see what Regin/ Ericsson or Danault could contribute in the middle.

.......

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 !!!!!!!!!!
- oldduffman

I was on vacation all week and got home late yesterday (didn't see the game but saw the news) and I couldn't believe what I saw on that play (Actually I can believe what I saw). I just hope someone gets seriously hurt by a cheap shot so something happens. It is turning into a joke how the league is trying to falsely get parity into the league.

Who is starting in goal tonight?

Who is starting in goal tonight?
- Lee Denault

Jay Cutler.....

Who is starting in goal tonight?
- Lee Denault

Most likely Raanta, but I would go with CC.

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

Your third line is the exact problem this team has. They had one good game - bought into the hype that they were the second coming - then next game - they wet the bed. Bickell was benched after two bad periods - and Saad disappeared. That's the exact thing I originally mentioned. Some kind of message has to be sent to get their attention - usually a game or two in the press box will do it.

Your third line is the exact problem this team has. They had one good game - bought into the hype that they were the second coming - then next game - they wet the bed. Bickell was benched after two bad periods - and Saad disappeared. That's the exact thing I originally mentioned. Some kind of message has to be sent to get their attention - usually a game or two in the press box will do it.
- dahawks8819

I agree. Bickell is Bickell so his sleep walk routine is sop. Saad? No idea whats wrong with him. Why not sit em both to hit them with that 3 am wake up call!! Team is playing ehhhh anyway. May wake the whole team up.

I agree. Bickell is Bickell so his sleep walk routine is sop. Saad? No idea whats wrong with him. Why not sit em both to hit them with that 3 am wake up call!! Team is playing ehhhh anyway. May wake the whole team up.
- z1990z

One thing about Saad's play that's a positive: he's making himself very affordable for the Hawks who at this point look like they'll be able to get Kruger and Saad at very reasonable extensions.

One thing about Saad's play that's a positive: he's making himself very affordable for the Hawks who at this point look like they'll be able to get Kruger and Saad at very reasonable extensions.
- Baaaaaaannerman!

I am a huge fan of #20. Really perplexed at his play. He has all the tools to a great player. Size/speed and a good wrister. He needs to attack the net more and get some greasy goals. Really want him to take that next step and be that 20+ goal guy so that we can ship sleep walker 29 outa town.

New blog is up.