This team is a trainwreck. They aren't even scoring goals so it's not an entertaining product to watch. If they were a sub .500 team and scoring 4 goals a game (Jets the last few years come to mind), it would at least be worth watching. This "team" is so far from a team it's laughable. Simple passes are missing, no cohesion defensively, or in the O-zone. No energy or passion from Toews all the way down. Plenty of blame to go around, but you can't fire the entire team, so I think both Bowman and Q should be on the chopping block. Something has to change or this team will continue to lose ugly games. For all those who want to bag on Panik, he makes $2.5 mil and actually works hard and battles for the puck.

I've seen enough of Nick Schmaltz's soft as cotton play. The next tine he wins aboard battle will be his first since the preseason. Ryan Hartman is doing his best Casper the Ghost impression since game 2. I thought Forsling had a good game and should be on the PP over Keith who can't hid the broad side of a barn with his shot.

That's the biggest issue I've seen so far. Will they turn it around? I guess we'll see.
- JRoenick97

I stand by idea that they are 1) too enamored of their own legendary ability to come from behind, and 2) are addicted to the adrenaline rush that gives them.

Toews' statements last night (I posted a few pages back) shows that he knows that is exactly what they are doing: waiting to turn it on until it is too late.

Not being able to come back like that anymore has to be depressing for the Core, so are they going to respond by adjusting their mindset or shutting down? Remains to be seen, but I'm seeing the latter for now. Not sure how you change that attitude, but, one idea:

Q needs to sit the whole team down and explain that it doesn't matter who it is, if he sees a player not giving 100% effort = current health and known skill from the first puck drop, regardless of that player's name or role, that player sits a few shifts. If it continues, he sits the rest of the game. If Q isn't willing to do that, he really does need to go.

They should also hand out that excerpt from Dryden's book as study material.

So WTH is up with this team? Has our core talent eroded that much?
- z1990z

I think there's an element of that, but I think the bigger issue is:

Unwillingness to adapt to the newer game.

Hawks are so stubborn in their ways of trying to make cute/forced passes that it's killing them. Thank God for guys like Franson-- who actually has the mindset to put the puck on the net when he gets it.

The game has gotten so fast that teams playing a more simplified game are finding success: Couple passes, get someone in front of the net, put it on and repeat.

Hawks have the talent to be successful, but when you're trying to make every play look like a highlight reel goal, you're not going to win.

No one is fooled or intimidated by the Hawks and their game anymore.

I want these guys to snap out of it and find that form they had the first couple games where they were getting teams on their heels by using speed, pouring on shots and generating a lot of offensive pressure.

I made a point of watching Toews as closely as i could last night. The guy just doesn't have the fire in his belly anymore. Every single time the puck went deep and he was either in a race to get it, or in a battle to keep it, he slowed up and lost the race and avoided contact at all costs.

He was the first line grinder and the guy who went to the net. Now he is neither. He floats and plays perimeter hockey. His linemates make cross rink passes that nine times out of ten get picked off resulting in a rush the other way.

Saad is the only one of the top six forwards that has any speed or nasty to his game, and even he is playing and looking like "WTF?"

The kids on the third line are pure AHL'ers that aren't ready for prime time, and the fourth line, while good at possession, can't put the puck in the net to save their lives.

On defense....it is pretty sad when Franson is - yes - the most consistent guy of the bunch. He plays within his limitations, rarely makes a mistake, has PP QB skills, yet is never used in that capacity. No wonder since none of his teammates ever go to the front of the net for rebounds.

Keith is wasting his time playing the PP as he has no shot and is the captain of the perimeter game. Q plays guys on their wrong side which makes them even less effective.

Forsling has everything a young man needs except his extreme timidity on the breakout, which should be Defense 101. If you can't break it out, nothing else matters.

Hard to say which of the possibilities is true - the players are quitting on the coach, the coach is quitting on the GM, the GM is setting up the coach to fail....All I know is that if this crapstorm goes on for much longer interest in the team will decline faster rather than slower.

This team is a trainwreck. They aren't even scoring goals so it's not an entertaining product to watch. If they were a sub .500 team and scoring 4 goals a game (Jets the last few years come to mind), it would at least be worth watching. This "team" is so far from a team it's laughable. Simple passes are missing, no cohesion defensively, or in the O-zone. Something has to change or this team will continue to lose. Ugh.
- EnzoD

Agreed, (Note to John McDonut, clicked over to DVR shows after the first and never returned...)

Having Eddie (love him or hate him, he is entertaining) on the shelf most of the season makes a bad product worse.

This team is a trainwreck. They aren't even scoring goals so it's not an entertaining product to watch. If they were a sub .500 team and scoring 4 goals a game (Jets the last few years come to mind), it would at least be worth watching. This "team" is so far from a team it's laughable. Simple passes are missing, no cohesion defensively, or in the O-zone. No energy or passion from Toews all the way down. Plenty of blame to go around, but you can't fire the entire team, so I think both Bowman and Q should be on the chopping block. Something has to change or this team will continue to lose ugly games. For all those who want to bag on Panik, he makes $2.5 mil and actually works hard and battles for the puck.

I've seen enough of Nick Schmaltz and Hartman is doing his best Casper the Ghost impression since game 2.
- EnzoD

Man, I was excited for Schmaltz this season... then he took that concussion and just went in to a shell. Coach has to get him his swagger back.

Unfortunately this post is the truth.
- Colbyboy

Harshly disagree. ....that post from a losers mentality.....just like many of the CORE players on this team.....and specifically Mr. "Greatest Captain in professional sports". His comments reek of a lack of intensity and preparation.
Q has lost this team for a while now. Bowman has sunk their future because of BAD contracts. And now this infectious attitude is spreading to the youth with our Captain's negativity.

Now.....to say that we should be happy and greatful for these past 7 years is understandable, but to imply that we should accept it is pure BS. Great MANAGEMENT can turn things around with some ACCOUNTABILITY !!
They need to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk because this team has become a laughing stock again. Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Saad, and Sharp are a disaster most games showing zero passion, zero effort, and zero compete. That makes me furious as a long time season ticket holder and unless changes are made, it will be my last.

I made a point of watching Toews as closely as i could last night. The guy just doesn't have the fire in his belly anymore. Every single time the puck went deep and he was either in a race to get it, or in a battle to keep it, he slowed up and lost the race and avoided contact at all costs.

He was the first line grinder and the guy who went to the net. Now he is neither. He floats and plays perimeter hockey. His linemates make cross rink passes that nine times out of ten get picked off resulting in a rush the other way.

Saad is the only one of the top six forwards that has any speed or nasty to his game, and even he is playing and looking like "WTF?"

The kids on the third line are pure AHL'ers that aren't ready for prime time, and the fourth line, while good at possession, can't put the puck in the net to save their lives.

On defense....it is pretty sad when Franson is - yes - the most consistent guy of the bunch. He plays within his limitations, rarely makes a mistake, has PP QB skills, yet is never used in that capacity. No wonder since none of his teammates ever go to the front of the net for rebounds.

Keith is wasting his time playing the PP as he has no shot and is the captain of the perimeter game. Q plays guys on their wrong side which makes them even less effective.

Forsling has everything a young man needs except his extreme timidity on the breakout, which should be Defense 101. If you can't break it out, nothing else matters.

Hard to say which of the possibilities is true - the players are quitting on the coach, the coach is quitting on the GM, the GM is setting up the coach to fail....All I know is that if this crapstorm goes on for much longer interest in the team will decline faster rather than slower.
- Return of the Roar

I've been watching Toews closely the last two years and this is nothing new. He's not moving his feet and cannot beat any Dman 1v1.The degradation of Toews and Seabrook is definitely putting a damper on the Marketing Machine's statue plans and jersey retirement's for 19+7.

I made a point of watching Toews as closely as i could last night. The guy just doesn't have the fire in his belly anymore. Every single time the puck went deep and he was either in a race to get it, or in a battle to keep it, he slowed up and lost the race and avoided contact at all costs.

He was the first line grinder and the guy who went to the net. Now he is neither. He floats and plays perimeter hockey. His linemates make cross rink passes that nine times out of ten get picked off resulting in a rush the other way.

Saad is the only one of the top six forwards that has any speed or nasty to his game, and even he is playing and looking like "WTF?"

The kids on the third line are pure AHL'ers that aren't ready for prime time, and the fourth line, while good at possession, can't put the puck in the net to save their lives.

On defense....it is pretty sad when Franson is - yes - the most consistent guy of the bunch. He plays within his limitations, rarely makes a mistake, has PP QB skills, yet is never used in that capacity. No wonder since none of his teammates ever go to the front of the net for rebounds.

Keith is wasting his time playing the PP as he has no shot and is the captain of the perimeter game. Q plays guys on their wrong side which makes them even less effective.

Forsling has everything a young man needs except his extreme timidity on the breakout, which should be Defense 101. If you can't break it out, nothing else matters.

Hard to say which of the possibilities is true - the players are quitting on the coach, the coach is quitting on the GM, the GM is setting up the coach to fail....All I know is that if this crapstorm goes on for much longer interest in the team will decline faster rather than slower.
- Return of the Roar

But, but Toews was voted a top 100 player of all time.


Such a joke. Really is he a top 100 player in the current NHL? I can think of 2-4 players on every team I would want ahead of him.

Harshly disagree. ....that post from a losers mentality.....just like many of the CORE players on this team.....and specifically Mr. "Greatest Captain in professional sports". His comments reek of a lack of intensity and preparation.
Q has lost this team for a while now. Bowman has sunk their future because of BAD contracts. And now this infectious attitude is spreading to the youth with our Captain's negativity.

Now.....to say that we should be happy and greatful for these past 7 years is understandable, but to imply that we should accept it is pure BS. Great MANAGEMENT can turn things around with some ACCOUNTABILITY !!
They need to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk because this team has become a laughing stock again. Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Saad, and Sharp are a disaster most games showing zero passion, zero effort, and zero compete. That makes me furious as a long time season ticket holder and unless changes are made, it will be my last.
- Hawkytalk

I've been tired of the, "Hey, we won three cups, so back off!" mentality for a long time. It's complacency.

Everyone dogged me a long time ago when I suggested the Hawks should go for Yakupov over Sharp. But, everyone (including front office) loves bringing back old Hawks. I don't get it.

.

Now.....to say that we should be happy and greatful for these past 7 years is understandable, but to imply that we should accept it is pure BS. Great MANAGEMENT can turn things around with some ACCOUNTABILITY !!
.
- Hawkytalk

Very simple - support success, abandon failure. Lots of other places my time and money can be invested. The past should never create an obligation to tolerate the present.

For those of you considering an Athletic subscription, they are 35% off today:


@TheAthleticChi

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Hocks may be in the zone the Preds were stuck in so long. Good enough to barely make or just miss the playoffs right from their exapansion days. When you are too good to miss out on the top 5 picks it is really hard to get better. Meanwhile Kane and Keith get older and worse.

I think there's an element of that, but I think the bigger issue is:

Unwillingness to adapt to the newer game.

Hawks are so stubborn in their ways of trying to make cute/forced passes that it's killing them. Thank God for guys like Franson-- who actually has the mindset to put the puck on the net when he gets it.

The game has gotten so fast that teams playing a more simplified game are finding success: Couple passes, get someone in front of the net, put it on and repeat.

Hawks have the talent to be successful, but when you're trying to make every play look like a highlight reel goal, you're not going to win.

No one is fooled or intimidated by the Hawks and their game anymore.

I want these guys to snap out of it and find that form they had the first couple games where they were getting teams on their heels by using speed, pouring on shots and generating a lot of offensive pressure.
- Hank3Henshaw

Part of why we see so many odd man breaks. Teams get the puck in the D zone and its one or two short passes and everyone is off to the races. Instead of skating with the puck and moving with speed up ice the Hawks still sit and wait for stretch passes to open up. The Hawks have no transition game.

Teams take away the boards and our forwards and d are clueless how to get the puck out. See Sharp last night on the first goal. (although he was trying to chip back down to Ruuta to relieve pressure and the refs skate did not help).

I think it is mostly coaching. Guys on this team know how to play hockey. We see players do that same stuff over and over again I do not think it is because that is all they know. I think that is what is still being coached.

Anyone count how many times Franson and Keith passed it back and forth on the 5 on 3?

Toews is not Toews anymore. Posters that keep denying that need to check into reality.

For those that like to drill down into stats found this breakdown of last night’s game:

http://naturalstattrick.c...8&game=20236&view=limited

Part of why we see so many odd man breaks. Teams get the puck in the D zone and its one or two short passes and everyone is off to the races. Instead of skating with the puck and moving with speed up ice the Hawks still sit and wait for stretch passes to open up. The Hawks have no transition game.

Teams take away the boards and our forwards and d are clueless how to get the puck out. See Sharp last night on the first goal. (although he was trying to chip back down to Ruuta to relieve pressure and the refs skate did not help).

I think it is mostly coaching. Guys on this team know how to play hockey. We see players do that same stuff over and over again I do not think it is because that is all they know. I think that is what is still being coached.

Anyone count how many times Franson and Keith passed it back and forth on the 5 on 3?

Toews is not Toews anymore. Posters that keep denying that need to check into reality.
- bhawks2241

Totally agree.

I'm not ready to blame it on coaching entirely, though.

There's fundamentals that aren't being executed and a large percentage of hot-dogging going on that I think falls on the players.

Hocks may be in the zone the Preds were stuck in so long. Good enough to barely make or just miss the playoffs right from their exapansion days. When you are too good to miss out on the top 5 picks it is really hard to get better. Meanwhile Kane and Keith get older and worse.
- VopatsRash

Get the (frank) out of here you troll. Trashville is still Cup-less so STFU.

This team is a trainwreck. They aren't even scoring goals so it's not an entertaining product to watch. If they were a sub .500 team and scoring 4 goals a game (Jets the last few years come to mind), it would at least be worth watching. This "team" is so far from a team it's laughable. Simple passes are missing, no cohesion defensively, or in the O-zone. No energy or passion from Toews all the way down. Plenty of blame to go around, but you can't fire the entire team, so I think both Bowman and Q should be on the chopping block. Something has to change or this team will continue to lose ugly games. For all those who want to bag on Panik, he makes $2.5 mil and actually works hard and battles for the puck.

I've seen enough of Nick Schmaltz's soft as cotton play. The next tine he wins aboard battle will be his first since the preseason. Ryan Hartman is doing his best Casper the Ghost impression since game 2. I thought Forsling had a good game and should be on the PP over Keith who can't hid the broad side of a barn with his shot.
- EnzoD

I totally agree with your comment that this is not an entertaining team. With the way other teams have retooled and play like the Hawks of several years ago, I no longer expect them to dominate the league. Would be happy with anything that gets them into the playoffs healthy AND ENTERTAINING as they do so. I find myself turning the games off part way through because I don’t enjoy the effort and enthuasism I see. I can take them losing if it looks like they are trying and are entertaining. I’m Not seeing either of these traits

Get the (frank) out of here you troll. Trashville is still Cup-less so STFU.
- EnzoD

Tried to hold off posting until game 20 (1/4 way through season....)

1. Very happy for Rocky wirtz now being able to charge teams to practice at his new practice facility. Found it hilarious, sad, and pathetic he went out of his way to boast about this.......

2. Where would this team be without Corey Crawford? With him playing at an ELITE level you are in 6th place, and a Minnesota (game in hand) win away from being tied for 6th/7th in the DIVISION.

3. I preface this by saying I respect Toews, but it's time to admit he is the most overrated player in the NHL. For all the pub and pumping of his tires, all I hear from 19 is blah blah blah, and then the team goes out and lays an egg and he is unnoticeable. The player leadership on this team HAS to be called in to question. yes, Toews, Keith Seabrook led for years, but like Q that message appears to be old and how badly does this locker room miss 81 who backed up his words with 100% effort shifts. Can you say the same about 2/7/19? Because I can't.

4. Coaches should put people in best position to succeed and I can't say that's happening. While Q is a HOF coach, this team has picked up where it left off vs Nashville. Lifeless, effortless, games where they look disinterested and complacent. Meanwhile, ole Stanley isn't safe as well, and if I'm McEgo I'm contemplating a joint effort where BOTH Q and Bowman are kicked to the curb. both have failed miserably in construction of the roster, and on ice production.

5. I also look at a core player trade sooner rather then later. I look manly at 2/7/19 who all look complacent. 88/20/50 are your untouchables and all have raised their games each year, where as these 3 look fat and happy and see very, if any, individual improvements. Toews gets tossed around like a rag doll, 2 is being exposed almost nightly, and 7 is........a disaster.

This team is on the downward trend on the bell curve and 2nd hand rehab jobs in Campbell and Sharp have imploded in their face. Their depth is questionable, and you essentially have 2 top 6 players on this team in 88/20, and a bunch of 3rd and 4th line players after that. Play the kids.....move out veterans to create financial room and get assets back that you can groom to be the 2nd waive of core players. Most fans will get it, and if you can't do it based on backlash of marketing doom, then the goal slogan is just a fantasy.

This team is very unwatchable.......a long winter is upon us.

This team is a trainwreck. They aren't even scoring goals so it's not an entertaining product to watch. If they were a sub .500 team and scoring 4 goals a game (Jets the last few years come to mind), it would at least be worth watching. This "team" is so far from a team it's laughable. Simple passes are missing, no cohesion defensively, or in the O-zone. No energy or passion from Toews all the way down. Plenty of blame to go around, but you can't fire the entire team, so I think both Bowman and Q should be on the chopping block. Something has to change or this team will continue to lose ugly games. For all those who want to bag on Panik, he makes $2.5 mil and actually works hard and battles for the puck.

I've seen enough of Nick Schmaltz's soft as cotton play. The next tine he wins aboard battle will be his first since the preseason. Ryan Hartman is doing his best Casper the Ghost impression since game 2. I thought Forsling had a good game and should be on the PP over Keith who can't hid the broad side of a barn with his shot.
- EnzoD

hope all is well.....the leadership on this team needs to be questioned just as hard as Q or Bowman. All these 3 idiots do is talk, and the team doesn't respond.

Realistically nobody is taking 7 unless you eat money.

2 or 19 should be shopped to see what huge return you could get....probably more so from 2 then 19...........19s days as an elite player are over.

Hocks may be in the zone the Preds were stuck in so long. Good enough to barely make or just miss the playoffs right from their exapansion days. When you are too good to miss out on the top 5 picks it is really hard to get better. Meanwhile Kane and Keith get older and worse.
- VopatsRash

I was wondering when you would crawl out of your hole.......good to see you.

Yeah, get excited because your goal differential is in the red by 2, and your 2 points, better then "the hocks". Priceless.

Now that Turis signed long term watch him bloom back into the pumpkin he has been for many organizations. I have two words for you: Marty Havlat. Lots of skill, but once paid, well.....you will see.

I'm sure once the preds get off their 3 game winning streak you will go back to your hole in Smashville.

Happy trails.

I was wondering when you would crawl out of your hole.......good to see you.

Yeah, get excited because your goal differential is in the red by 2, and your 2 points, better then "the hocks". Priceless.

Now that Turis signed long term watch him bloom back into the pumpkin he has been for many organizations. I have two words for you: Marty Havlat. Lots of skill, but once paid, well.....you will see.

I'm sure once the preds get off their 3 game winning streak you will go back to your hole in Smashville.

Happy trails.
- SteveRain

If they were smart, they'd move Subban now and get some pieces back.

hope all is well.....the leadership on this team needs to be questioned just as hard as Q or Bowman. All these 3 idiots do is talk, and the team doesn't respond.

Realistically nobody is taking 7 unless you eat money.

2 or 19 should be shopped to see what huge return you could get....probably more so from 2 then 19...........19s days as an elite player are over.
- SteveRain

A 50 pt center clearly on the downslide for 10.5 mil... that is going to be almost as tough to trade as Seabrook. Toews has been flanked by Hossa, Saad, and Sharp for the most successful stretches of his career.

Wonder how much Toews' game misses the 2010-2016 version of Big Hoss. He did a lot of heavy lifting on that line on both ends of the ice.

- Hank3Henshaw

amazing 30 for 30 BTW

Real, no denials, owned it........maybe their best one yet.