Hawks were outscored 8-5 in third periods (and three of the Hawks' 5 were in game 6) - Crawford made a lot of great saves and had several excellent stretches, but he didn't steal any games, and didn't help them win many 3rd periods.

Defense or Crawford? Both.

He and Shaw were probably the best Hawks out there - but that's faint praise indeed.
- StLBravesFan

I think he won the 5th game and kept them within reach in Game 6.
Chances were close to the same and Elliott played really well but at the end of the day Crawford was good enough for the Hawks to win the series. I agree on Shaw and Crawford....Last year the best forwards in the postseason were Saad and Shaw.

I am a fan of physical play but I to think they need to move on from mashinter he didn't do his job which was to enforce and wreak havoc on the other team. Back in the day when teams carried multiple tough guys he would of been adequate second muscle. But in todays game you need someone who's ready to play that role every night.
Get a top 6 winger
No 4 dman
A legit enforcer who knows his role. Figure out what prospects can make some contributions.

I didn't follow coach Q in St. Louis or Colorado. Has he ever had any success with players with some rough edges? Or was it alway "Here's your chance. Either you adapt immediately or you go to the dog house!"
- DMChi2010

Q seems more like Phil Jackson - he can take a talented realized team to championships, but can't / doesn't want to develop young players - they need to come to him more or less ready contributors.

All of the players talk about how he limits practices so as not to tire players out during the grind of the season.

But perhaps that doesn't help the younger players learn and grow and fit in.

Hawks were outscored 8-5 in third periods (and three of the Hawks' 5 were in game 6) - Crawford made a lot of great saves and had several excellent stretches, but he didn't steal any games, and didn't help them win many 3rd periods.

Defense or Crawford? Both.

He and Shaw were probably the best Hawks out there - but that's faint praise indeed.
- StLBravesFan

2 of the 5 were in G6; they lead 4-3 going into the 3rd and one was the hossa empty netter;

didn't steal any games? he had a shut out in G1 and got beat on a pass going off TVR...so yeah he lost about as close to steal you can get on the road...

he got beat on tips and deflections; that one off berglund in G3 really hurt

well good to see he continues to get no respect around the league...no vezina nomination...not surprised

I think he won the 5th game and kept them within reach in Game 6.
Chances were close to the same and Elliott played really well but at the end of the day Crawford was good enough for the Hawks to win the series. I agree on Shaw and Crawford....Last year the best forwards in the postseason were Saad and Shaw.
- Al

Ok Craw faced less shots than elliot....but i suspect the quality chances were tilted blue....elliot was playing catch with hawk shots off and on most of the series

LOL...Ducks give up an early goal again....

2 of the 5 were in G6; they lead 4-3 going into the 3rd and one was the hossa empty netter;

didn't steal any games? he had a shut out in G1 and got beat on a pass going off TVR...so yeah he lost about as close to steal you can get on the road...

he got beat on tips and deflections; that one off berglund in G3 really hurt

well good to see he continues to get no respect around the league...no vezina nomination...not surprised
- bogiedoc

Yes on game 6 - I thought I remembered a 3-2 game going into the third.

And one of the 3rd period goals he gave up was with 2 seconds left in the game two that they won.

But he gave up two third period goals in each of games 3, 4, and 5 that gave up leads and cost games 3 and 4 - and the game winner in game 7, when he over slid the crease on Brouwer's goal - others were more at fault for not covering Brouwer, but - like in games 3 and 4 (and game 5) - Crawford didn't have his teammates' backs in the third periods.

Like the rest of the team, he was outplayed by his counterpart on the other side.

Now that I've had a day to reflect, I agree and think this fair criticism.
- etchtech

>Etch -- please understand I am not criticizing Toews -- would prefer the term"refinement" to the word "criticism"
>JT is an exceptional player, winner, leader
>But, every NHLer can improve at something -- I just mentioned some skills sets I think that would make him even more effective
>Like the PGA Tour, the guys with the most "game" last the longest and cash the most checks
>In his prime, every time Tiger experienced a shot situation that he needed to make, but could not execute in a tournament, he practiced that shot until it was tournament-worthy -- same mindset should be happening with elite NHL players

Wasn't that another high deflected shot off a Hawks stick?
- Al

no it was a wicked knuckler...i think steen tipped it...crow was looking left around the steen screen and paryenko's shot veered to his right and seemed to change direction...

Gaustad..OMG 2-0.

A few days ago, a few of you remarked that television ratings will suffer without the Hawks, Kings, and Rangers in the playoffs. Right your are.

Game 7 of the Hawks / Blues series drew 1.4 million viewers on NBCSN Monday night, up 76% from Islanders/Capitals game 7 last year. The game ranks as the most-watched first round playoff game ever on NBCSN. Apparently Chicagoans are not the only market watching the Hawks.

Note that the 1.4 viewers on NBCSN do not include the local telecasts in Chicago and St. Louis that together added 900K more television homes. Comcast SportsNet Chicago earned a 19.07 rating for its coverage, which is the highest for any program in the history of the network. Similarly, Fox Sports Midwest in St. Louis earned a 19.6 rating – also making it the highest rated program in the history of that network.

A few days ago, a few of you remarked that television ratings will suffer without the Hawks, Kings, and Rangers in the playoffs. Right your are.

Game 7 of the Hawks / Blues series drew 1.4 million viewers on NBCSN Monday night, up 76% from Islanders/Capitals game 7 last year. The game ranks as the most-watched first round playoff game ever on NBCSN. Apparently Chicagoans are not the only market watching the Hawks.

Note that the 1.4 viewers on NBCSN do not include the local telecasts in Chicago and St. Louis that together added 900K more television homes. Comcast SportsNet Chicago earned a 19.07 rating for its coverage, which is the highest for any program in the history of the network. Similarly, Fox Sports Midwest in St. Louis earned a 19.6 rating – also making it the highest rated program in the history of that network.
- etchtech

And game 1 was the 5th highest rated program in CSNChicago's history.

Never watch the Hawk intermission thingy, but did after the 1st period the other night and have a new found respect for Konroyd. Guy is a complete company man so little to learn from him. But after the 1st he said what I thought, Crawford has to fight through that screen on the 40 footer from Paryako.

One man in front of him and the shot is from the blueline. Get down low enough to find the puck/shooter and get to the center of the crease. He started that sequence too far to his left and the puck sizzled past to his right.

Tough save no doubt but you ain't gonna win many series this close with a .907 SPG and not stopping pucks like the one Paryako got past him.
- Mr Ricochet

The shot hit the post and went in. Until Crawford eats too many pizzas and is 6' wide or grows a neck like a giraffe he can't stop that shot with just positioning. He looked left, it went right. I'll never blame a goalie on a seeing eye rocket through traffic off the post from the point. Konroyd is a nice guy, but if I was him I'd be talking about a D man knocking someone on their ass so Crawford could see.

Sorry for having to even look at the length of this post, but it'll be the last one.

Like Savvy and many others have said, focusing on the past isn't going to do anything, because the only reality we ever have is the now...so what do the Hawks do now? Well, the first thing they can do is LEARN FROM THE PAST, and don't repeat mistakes. There are UNDENIABLY good players (like Brouwer, Leddy, Vermette, Weise, etc.) that have been run out of town by Q...and most of these guys were young, with big upsides...and because the Hawks tried to repeat this season, you can now add guys like Dano and Danault to this list (plus a bunch of 1sts and 2nds over the past 3 years).

In return for all these trades the Hawks got prospects (with few of them ever getting a sniff from the big club), low picks and RENTALS. Not the stuff of longevity. But again, that's the past and all that matters is now. So, for a 2nd time, how are the Hawks going to address these mistakes, biases and chances? Big trades, Free Agency, European players, US College FAs? Let's look at the first one, a big trade. It can't/won't happen because the only players of value that the Hawks can trade, can't be traded, either because they are core players or players nobody would take because of the age, drop off in play and salary Cap. So you can scratch that "answer". But what about Teravainen you ask? What would the return be? A top 4 DMan, or a young, #5 DMan with a chance of becoming a top 4 guy? No chance. When you look at TT's size, lack of interest in a physical game and his ACTUAL STATS, no team would make this move without help. As Rick said, you can also forget TT becoming an NHL Centre any time soon. The Hawks are located in the WC, in the Central Division, playing for Cups every season...he's too weak to contribute in that role when it would count the most. The RW is Teravainen's destination, and the Hawks had better hope he can make it there in a Top 6 capacity, because they traded away most of their other top 6 talent.

Free Agency? Likely, but only in a limited role, as JJ identified perfectly, the Hawks don't possess a lot of desirable players that are available to the traded. The Hawks will need a decent, reliable guy to solidify the 3rd pairing...EXACTLY like they should have done last summer. The signing of Rozy was lunacy (after his 2014 and 2015 seasons)...everyone knew what was going to happen with Rozy, even if the Hawks gave his ankle extra time to heal (which they did). He didn't dress in the final 3 playoff games because he was WORSE than David Runblad...and that says a lot! How about a big Free Agent? Not a chance. The Hawks won't even be able to afford either Ladd or Weise after they lock up Andrew Shaw. And make no mistake about it, Shaw has become one of the most important players on this hockey club...he isn't going ANYWHERE! They will need to add one more veteran forward, and I think that Fleischmann would be a solid choice because he would accept something close to the league minimum, he fits the Hawk's system well, he now knows the system and prior to the playoffs, he was one of the Hawks best wingers. He's got size, speed, heart, and flexibility. He's a good Centre should the need arise (very much like Desi, who has one more year on his solid deal).

Europeans and College FAs? Who knows? Bowman is apparently after the top European DMan interested in coming to the NHL, and the top College FA. Maybe these players will help? Again, who knows. Promotions from Rockford? What else can this team do? Q and the fans have slammed Gus, but he did well early before being jerked around by the coaching staff...he has the ability to help the Hawks in a meaningful way, because he's already done it over a significant stretch. He simply needs coaching, confidence, and some time. Svedberg? He was a lot better this season than he had the right to be, so with a lot of coaching to improve his decision making process, he could stick...he certainly possesses a lot of natural abilities. Pokka? He's intriguing because his 2nd half in Rockford (when everyone else on that team forgot how to play defence) was very good...just like his 1st half in Rockford last year. He's got the size/strength, patience and decision making skills to stick...as long as he coached, and shown patience!

IMO, the Hawks are NOT nearly as bad as most people here want to believe. Some things happened towards the end of the season that brought a lot of hope and brightness to the Hawks for next season. One, TVR lasted an entire season, and while he had his ebbs and flows, he was more than decent, and kept getting better. In fact, I would argue that his series against the Blues was BETTER than those of Keith and Seabrook. The longer summer break will help Keith, Seabrook and Hammer...the best top 3 in hockey...and with TVR's progression and experience, there's NO REASON to not see him as our #4 guy moving forward...capable of being as effective as Johnny Oduya given the time and help.

Two, Hossa quietly and effectively slid down the roster to the 3rd line...and low and behold, he Kruger and Ladd were a hit! Now, how would that line look next season with Ladd gone, replaced by Shaw??? Nice freaking line, that could shut down any top opponent in the league, and generate some offence (besides all helping on Special Teams). Three, Richard Panik showed that he wasn't just a decent player, that in fact, the kid possesses a lot of abilities, and with his speed, playmaking, and ability to forecheck and hit, he's a top 6 forward in CHI moving forward. And kudos have to be given to Bowman for acquiring him as it cost nothing, and the guy is a "Hossa-like" player with youth, speed, size and a dynamic game. He and Panarin were absolute must additions for the Hawks, and give the team hope moving forward. Four, Dennis Rasmussen is a player. There is no question about this, and in fact he even shows an offensive game waiting to breakout. With the money paid to Kruger, its time for him to become the permanent 3rd line Centre...but what fortune to trade Danault and still have Rasmussen to guide the 4th line. Big advantage Blackhawks. And five, late in the season it became evident that Panarin could produce consistently WITHOUT having to have Patrick Kane as his RW. Certainly they possess a chemistry together that would be nice to maintain, but I don't think the Hawks can afford this luxury any longer.

So, what do the Hawks need? It's not goaltending. Crawford has his best season yet, zero issues. Plus, Scott Darling showed that all he needed was more game time...Crow also demonstrated that he needed less. Problem solved. How about the forwards, a problem? I don't think so, in fact depending on how the situation is handled, it should be a team strength. There are two keys to the forwards, one is Teravainen (as discussed) and the other is the Head Coach (more to come). So, it must be defence that's the major problem...and I don't see it. With a rested Keith, Seabrook and Hammer, adding TVR makes a STRONG top 4...not a problem. So it's the 3rd pairing. All the Hawks possess right now are Gus, Sved, Runblad (because Bowman gave him a 2 year deal) and Pokka. That's not good enough, but not awful either. What they don't need is another BS decision to bring back a "trusted veteran". Rozy was done 2 seasons ago. All the Hawks need is sign or trade for a solid, consistent DMan (young or old) that can play 70 games and skate 15-18 minutes a night. This is NOT difficult for Bowman to achieve. He should have/could have done it last summer, but instead he RUSHED out to re-sign both Runblad and Rozy...and those were AWFUL decisions. Again, this is not an area as weak as some perceive it to be...Bowman just needs to do his job and it won't be a problem as it has been for the last 3 seasons!

So, its not looking bad at all. And in fact, here are my lines for next season:


Panik-Toews-Kane (you know this line will produce)
Panarin-Anisimov-Teravainen (potentially lethal, but it rides with TT)
Shaw-Kruger-Hossa (you know this line will produce results)
Desi-Rasmussen-Fleisch (Hartman/McNeil/Scmaltz/Motte) (Solid, flexible, predictable)

Keith-Seabrook (if rested/healthy best pairing in league)
Hammer-TVR (gets both guys on their "right" sides, very solid to good)
FA Vet DMan-Gus/Sved/Pokka (the key being the Vet DMan, but potential)

Crawford/Darling (Rock solid)

The good news? That lineup is capable of beating ANY team in a 7 game series and will fit under the Cap (with Bickell gone). Plus, its a good balance of youth and veteran players with lots of leadership. What more can hockey fans ask for, really?

Now the bad news...first, that lineup is capable of being beaten by ANY other NHL playoff team in a 7 game series. You see, the fact of the matter is, by missing with his moves this summer, the Salary Cap has finally taken away any EDGE the Hawks may have had over the rest of the league. The loss of Sharp and Stephen Johns for essentially NOTHING in return was the killer blow, but also losing Dano and Danault for NOTHING as well (plus losing more 1st and 2nd round picks) sealed the Hawks fate as Cap casualties. So ALL OF US just need to get used to the fact that the Hawks have a chance at winning the Cup just like say 11 other teams do as well. That's it. But there's more bad news, and this part few people here want to acknowledge, but not to do so is akin to the ostrich putting its head into the ground.

The Hawks have a serious rift between the Coaches and the Mgt. that has cost this team a LOAD of talent and youth for now and in the future. There are a literal ton of examples, but one need go no further than the Danault trade. Phil Danault is a winner...he's the kind of player like an Andrew Shaw. He makes the players around him better, and does whatever it takes to win. He's gone because the Hawk's TEAM deemed it was better to have Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise instead. And while the existence of Dennis Rasmussen may allow the Hawks to "get away" with this blunder, it more importantly unveiled this rift for everyone to see. So, what's going to happen? Contrary to some here who don't take the time to actually read the posts, I do not favour one over the other. I don't care who is "better" or more important than the other! Q or Bowman, I have no dog in this fight. All I care about is that they FINALLY get on the same bloody page once and for all. Either one of them should go, or they MUST start working together this summer because this team has run out of "2nd chances". There are no more easy fixes to "cover up" blunders. If the Hawks have to go forward with two of Gus, Sved and Pokka, then Q needs to show patience and COACH these kids into becoming smart, confident players, not "fraidy-cats" looking over their shoulders. If the Hawks resign both Panik and Shaw, plus decide to keep Teravainen then there is NO ROLE on this team for Brandon Mashinter, the guy who can't turn on his skates. Its time for McNeil and Hartman to be given this opportunity. Add these kids to say Rasmussen and Desi/Fleischmann, and the Hawks would have a good 4th line that could play a variety of roles.

Schmaltz and Motte progressed further than the Hawks had the right to expect; thus, both guys will be signed to PRO contracts and given the chance to contribute. There is reason to be optimistic. The core is still the best (most experienced) in hockey, but they can't be waylaid at the pass by the MGT any longer. They need help, THROUGH THE SEASON, so that they're not worn out come playoff time. And I will leave you all with this final thought...with the deepest group of NHL forwards Coach Q rolled 4 lines for an extended period only once during the season. That resulted in a 12 game winning streak, the trading of Garbutt, the ignoring of Sekac, and the introduction of Mashinter to a full time roll. With Mashinter in the lineup this season the Hawks were a .520 hockey team, without him in the lineup, they were a .690 hockey team. A playoff lineup without Mashinter/Rozy and with Panik/Weise/Gus would have won the STL series if they were employed from game one. The Coaches and the MGT need to get on the same page, once and for all, and decide what kind of team they are going to be, and then live with the results! Take care.
- MexicoHawk

>>>The Hawks have a serious rift between the Coaches and the Mgt. that has cost this team a LOAD of talent and youth for now and in the future.<<<

Then I need to someone to explain why MCD and ownership hands 3 year extensions to both. If this so called "rift" is impacting personnel and roster playing time then management needs to deal with this prior to handing out lucrative extensions...neither way are either of them getting fired or resigning with those contract in place

The shot hit the post and went in. Until Crawford eats too many pizzas and is 6' wide he can't stop that shot with just positioning. He looked left, it went right. I'll never blame a goalie on a seeing eye rocket through traffic off the post from the point.
- 6628

agreed as i stated it was took off and veered to craws right as he was looking left...he did nothing "wrong"

A few days ago, a few of you remarked that television ratings will suffer without the Hawks, Kings, and Rangers in the playoffs. Right your are.

Game 7 of the Hawks / Blues series drew 1.4 million viewers on NBCSN Monday night, up 76% from Islanders/Capitals game 7 last year. The game ranks as the most-watched first round playoff game ever on NBCSN. Apparently Chicagoans are not the only market watching the Hawks.

Note that the 1.4 viewers on NBCSN do not include the local telecasts in Chicago and St. Louis that together added 900K more television homes. Comcast SportsNet Chicago earned a 19.07 rating for its coverage, which is the highest for any program in the history of the network. Similarly, Fox Sports Midwest in St. Louis earned a 19.6 rating – also making it the highest rated program in the history of that network.
- etchtech

oh definately...i'm not watching...there are no compelling series left in these playoffs...maybe pens/caps or ducks (if they survive)/sharks

isles/bolts
blues/stars

wow ducks and G7's...somethings never change well not true we just saw the blues get out of the 1st round..

2 goal lead...ducks will erase that in the second...because that is what happens to 2 goal leads in the playoffs

A lot of great points in here Snap.

And I think watching a little of John Tavares wouldn't hurt him either.
- RickJ

I agree Rick. Seems Tavares is a bit more bowlegged than JT. A little better (lower) center of gravity in tight spaces so easier to protect the puck.

agreed as i stated it was took off and veered to craws right as he was looking left...he did nothing "wrong"
- bogiedoc

Yup, I was catching up and just noticed I stepped on you. Sorry.

>>>The Hawks have a serious rift between the Coaches and the Mgt. that has cost this team a LOAD of talent and youth for now and in the future.<<<

Then I need to someone to explain why MCD and ownership hands 3 year extensions to both. If this so called "rift" is impacting personnel and roster playing time then management needs to deal with this prior to handing out lucrative extensions...neither way are either of them getting fired or resigning with those contract in place
- bogiedoc

Agree completely. Sounds like a totally dysfunctional relationship/front office. Before we criticize McCub, Wirtz had to sign off on it.

Perhaps he should keep a closer eye on his team, and who is running the day-to-day operations.

Q seems more like Phil Jackson - he can take a talented realized team to championships, but can't / doesn't want to develop young players - they need to come to him more or less ready contributors.

All of the players talk about how he limits practices so as not to tire players out during the grind of the season.

But perhaps that doesn't help the younger players learn and grow and fit in.
- StLBravesFan

I see your point on Q but the NHL is not a place to learn in many ways. Hawks practice less than others but even if not there isn't a lot of time to learn. It's more about getting a feel for the system and game planning. Years ago there was more skills work I think, but the PA got into the mix as well and limits practice time.

I have said in the past and will keep repeating, young forwards coming up from Rockford don't stick here unless they are versatile and can play effectively on more than one line. Only exception since Q has been here was Bollig.

I see your point on Q but the NHL is not a place to learn in many ways. Hawks practice less than others but even if not there isn't a lot of time to learn. It's more about getting a feel for the system and game planning. Years ago there was more skills work I think, but the PA got into the mix as well and limits practice time.

I have said in the past and will keep repeating, young forwards coming up from Rockford don't stick here unless they are versatile and can play effectively on more than one line. Only exception since Q has been here was Bollig.
- Al

The other thing is that the Hawks have been very fortunate with injuries so there has been very little need in the past to run a shuttle from Rockford. A few guys like Kero and Hinostroza got a look see and that was it.

IMO, the Hawks are NOT nearly as bad as most people here want to believe. Some things happened towards the end of the season that brought a lot of hope and brightness to the Hawks for next season. One, TVR lasted an entire season, and while he had his ebbs and flows, he was more than decent, and kept getting better. In fact, I would argue that his series against the Blues was BETTER than those of Keith and Seabrook. The longer summer break will help Keith, Seabrook and Hammer...the best top 3 in hockey...and with TVR's progression and experience, there's NO REASON to not see him as our #4 guy moving forward...capable of being as effective as Johnny Oduya given the time and help.
- MexicoHawk

the above is a portion of M-Hawk's latest post

Agree that TVR improved dramatically this season, and agree that he is the Hawks #4 D-man. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with positioning and good decision making. Offensively, he seems to know when to pass and when to shoot. He has a decent shot that I'm sure will get even better. Here's a high-level summary of his season compared with Oduya's.

>>>The Hawks have a serious rift between the Coaches and the Mgt. that has cost this team a LOAD of talent and youth for now and in the future.<<<

Then I need to someone to explain why MCD and ownership hands 3 year extensions to both. If this so called "rift" is impacting personnel and roster playing time then management needs to deal with this prior to handing out lucrative extensions...neither way are either of them getting fired or resigning with those contract in place
- bogiedoc

All I will say is the head coach here has a bigger say in everything than most around the league. Q was brought in an endorsed by the "head consultant"Scotty Bowman and he is as solid as a rock. If he left, which would be by his own choosing he could have another job within 24 hours.

Their game plan is consistent...Identify the core and build around them. When a player outgrows his allotted cap space he is dealt, if his performance slips below his pay grade he is gone. All the while the core group stays together and earns more money.

Issue here and other places is the cap is creeping up slowly which is not what most thought would happen. The price of oil declining which helps boost the US dollar and hurt the Canadian dollar, as well the fact disposable income in the US hasn't improved enough in recent years...Is a bad recipe for teams with a lot of cap space committed to a handful of players.

I see your point on Q but the NHL is not a place to learn in many ways. Hawks practice less than others but even if not there isn't a lot of time to learn. It's more about getting a feel for the system and game planning. Years ago there was more skills work I think, but the PA got into the mix as well and limits practice time.

I have said in the past and will keep repeating, young forwards coming up from Rockford don't stick here unless they are versatile and can play effectively on more than one line. Only exception since Q has been here was Bollig.
- Al

exhibit A: panik play 1,3,4 and even the pressbox

go figure 1 night your with toews and hossa and the next night eating popcorn in a suit