All this talk about Crow having a drinking issue, don't you think it is questionable that Q is the pitchman for Binny's, with Q's background? For a team that is so keen on optics, whenever I see Q in a Binny's ad I just shake my head. Bad optics.
- powerenforcer

If Crow has drinking and/or substance abuse problems it has nothing to do with Binny’s commercials or Q being in them.

What was the record last year in the last 37 games?

Sounds like Crawford has a substance abuse issue.
- Colbyboy

I really hope that it is not a substance abuse issue, but that certainly was the implication from both Toews' comments and JJ's blog yesterday over at The Rink. Of course, the snowmobiling accident explanation also is possible given his concussion history. Whatever, the case, we should all hope he gets well soon.

If Crow has drinking and/or substance abuse problems it has nothing to do with Binny’s commercials or Q being in them.
- Z3Hawk

I am not saying they are related, just making a point based on Q's past, maybe he shouldn't be the pitchman for that company.

I am not saying they are related, just making a point based on Q's past, maybe he shouldn't be the pitchman for that company.
- powerenforcer

As long as Binny's keeps shelling out the money they will be catered to. And if that's who they want then that's who they will get.

Q should go. As should Samuelson who has been a disaster with the D-Men. I have always liked Dineen but the PP this year has just been awful but not just awful - it has been stupid.

Q’s refusal to give Kane a right-handed left-winger who is a sniper has been the very definition of stubbornness and arrogance. Remember Panarin? Q won’t play DeBrincat there, won’t try Sharp. Hartman is a nice player but not in this key role. Also leave Schmaltz at Centre - Anisimov is simply too slow to play with Kane and Schmaltz.

Build another line around Anisimov and Hartman - they seem complimentary. Hartman and Anisimov could be very productive players if in the right rolls.

There are other forward problems that I will post about at some other time. Now the D. When Keith plays with Oesterle and Seabrook with Murphy you have 2 left-handed shots and 2 right-handed shots. Perfect you’d think - Babcock for Team Canada wanted all D-Men playing their natural sides. However, NO! Q and Samuelson play Oesterle and Murphy backwards. Ridiculous! Also, I am so sick of seeing Forsling and Rutta on the ice it is unbearable. Always out of position. Never win a puck battle. Never take the body. Rutta is a big player who plays very small and weak. How either of them play ahead of Kempny I don’t know - actually I do know - Q and Samuelson. Also there is a difference between D-Men joining the play or pinching when it makes sense to do so and just doing so all the time, which actually seems like the Hawks approach. Should be defence first always. Just stupid.

Which takes us to the PP. Kane runs the PP off the right boards. He requires a right-handed shot on the blue-line that he can set up for one-timers. Also need someone with a booming shot - how about Seabrook? NO! Instead we force left-handed shooting Keith and Oesterle. One-timers almost impossible as have to go “cross-body”. Slows the PP down terribly. DeBrincat could also play the top of the diamond. The PP fails because it is set up to fail which is just stupid. If you are going to play the diamond need complimentary shots. Or don’t play the diamond and have both Keith and Seabrook on the ice near the blue-line creating space down low. However, there is one thing for sure - STOP doing what you have been doing!

Great info--one of the best in a long time...

Q should go. As should Samuelson who has been a disaster with the D-Men. I have always liked Dineen but the PP this year has just been awful but not just awful - it has been stupid.

Q’s refusal to give Kane a right-handed left-winger who is a sniper has been the very definition of stubbornness and arrogance. Remember Panarin? Q won’t play DeBrincat there, won’t try Sharp. Hartman is a nice player but not in this key role. Also leave Schmaltz at Centre - Anisimov is simply too slow to play with Kane and Schmaltz.

Build another line around Anisimov and Hartman - they seem complimentary. Hartman and Anisimov could be very productive players if in the right rolls.

There are other forward problems that I will post about at some other time. Now the D. When Keith plays with Oesterle and Seabrook with Murphy you have 2 left-handed shots and 2 right-handed shots. Perfect you’d think - Babcock for Team Canada wanted all D-Men playing their natural sides. However, NO! Q and Samuelson play Oesterle and Murphy backwards. Ridiculous! Also, I am so sick of seeing Forsling and Rutta on the ice it is unbearable. Always out of position. Never win a puck battle. Never take the body. Rutta is a big player who plays very small and weak. How either of them play ahead of Kempny I don’t know - actually I do know - Q and Samuelson. Also there is a difference between D-Men joining the play or pinching when it makes sense to do so and just doing so all the time, which actually seems like the Hawks approach. Should be defence first always. Just stupid.

Which takes us to the PP. Kane runs the PP off the right boards. He requires a right-handed shot on the blue-line that he can set up for one-timers. Also need someone with a booming shot - how about Seabrook? NO! Instead we force left-handed shooting Keith and Oesterle. One-timers almost impossible as have to go “cross-body”. Slows the PP down terribly. DeBrincat could also play the top of the diamond. The PP fails because it is set up to fail which is just stupid. If you are going to play the diamond need complimentary shots. Or don’t play the diamond and have both Keith and Seabrook on the ice near the blue-line creating space down low. However, there is one thing for sure - STOP doing what you have been doing!
- Z3Hawk

You’re overthinking it and there’s no reason for Ulf to go. If anything Dineen is the one that should hit the road with Q.

It’s simple the forwards have to get back to the D zone quickly and that’s not happening. They over commit and get caught deep in the O zone resulting in odd man rushes.

Crow went to rehab last year and is clean, so that is not the case for time missed this year

also bowman should be the one to go but that wont happen because his dad....q should be given another year

Q should go. As should Samuelson who has been a disaster with the D-Men. I have always liked Dineen but the PP this year has just been awful but not just awful - it has been stupid.

Q’s refusal to give Kane a right-handed left-winger who is a sniper has been the very definition of stubbornness and arrogance. Remember Panarin? Q won’t play DeBrincat there, won’t try Sharp. Hartman is a nice player but not in this key role. Also leave Schmaltz at Centre - Anisimov is simply too slow to play with Kane and Schmaltz.

Build another line around Anisimov and Hartman - they seem complimentary. Hartman and Anisimov could be very productive players if in the right rolls.

There are other forward problems that I will post about at some other time. Now the D. When Keith plays with Oesterle and Seabrook with Murphy you have 2 left-handed shots and 2 right-handed shots. Perfect you’d think - Babcock for Team Canada wanted all D-Men playing their natural sides. However, NO! Q and Samuelson play Oesterle and Murphy backwards. Ridiculous! Also, I am so sick of seeing Forsling and Rutta on the ice it is unbearable. Always out of position. Never win a puck battle. Never take the body. Rutta is a big player who plays very small and weak. How either of them play ahead of Kempny I don’t know - actually I do know - Q and Samuelson. Also there is a difference between D-Men joining the play or pinching when it makes sense to do so and just doing so all the time, which actually seems like the Hawks approach. Should be defence first always. Just stupid.

Which takes us to the PP. Kane runs the PP off the right boards. He requires a right-handed shot on the blue-line that he can set up for one-timers. Also need someone with a booming shot - how about Seabrook? NO! Instead we force left-handed shooting Keith and Oesterle. One-timers almost impossible as have to go “cross-body”. Slows the PP down terribly. DeBrincat could also play the top of the diamond. The PP fails because it is set up to fail which is just stupid. If you are going to play the diamond need complimentary shots. Or don’t play the diamond and have both Keith and Seabrook on the ice near the blue-line creating space down low. However, there is one thing for sure - STOP doing what you have been doing!
- Z3Hawk

Samuelson has not been a disaster. Do you know what he is preaching is popular around the league. I am not going to get into a long discussion about the system. I will hope someone else on the board will do so. I have it on good authority from someone whom knows all about this stuff. Someone we all respect. You can choose yo not believe me. I am not here to fight a point of view. I did not know about Samuelson's methods, just a tad had heard something until I found out. It is not like I am making thus up. You also need to realize young players are inexperienced and are not total complete players. Few defensemen have that claim. Sure they can still look bad. And sometimes forwards Don't do their job either.

I'll tell you one blogger who knows about this stuff but he posts regularly. Maybe he will reply.

Given their age, I would move Toews and Keith off the PP so their PK and 5v5 time is more/most effective.

Crow went to rehab last year and is clean, so that is not the case for time missed this year

also bowman should be the one to go but that wont happen because his dad....q should be given another year
- WiscoReg

I was thinking maybe all of it has some truth. He was snowmobiling and had a concussion and had relapse and the team wants him to get healthy both physically and mentally. Bowman has made some bad trades and good ones. the only bad contract I see is SEABS.

Given their age, I would move Toews and Keith off the PP so their PK and 5v5 time is more/most effective.
- 35Tony0

I don't think age has anything to do with it, Keith wasn't always the best option for the power play.

I wasn't always the biggest Oesterle fan but of the guys on the roster he's the best options to quarterback the PP. I'd put Seabrook on the #2 unit ahead of Keith.

I could most definitely envision Seabs as a player/coach of sorts the latter years of his contract.
I would have also loved to see Hossa doing the same with his injury status this year.
You cannot teach heart, which both of these guys have in abundance, but you can repeatedly demonstrate it. And the young 'Hawks would benefit greatly from it.

I don't think age has anything to do with it, Keith wasn't always the best option for the power play.

I wasn't always the biggest Oesterle fan but of the guys on the roster he's the best options to quarterback the PP. I'd put Seabrook on the #2 unit ahead of Keith.
- DarthKane

Maybe if Seabrook loses 15 or 20 lbs!

Chicago has three prospects in his top 50, not too bad.

Pronman: 2017-18 midseason Top 50 NHL prospects

https://theathletic.com/1...son-top-50-nhl-prospects/


36. Jokiharju
40. Mitchell
42. Sikura

You’re overthinking it and there’s no reason for Ulf to go. If anything Dineen is the one that should hit the road with Q.

It’s simple the forwards have to get back to the D zone quickly and that’s not happening. They over commit and get caught deep in the O zone resulting in odd man rushes.
- walleyeb1

I agree about Dineen and Q. I am willing to wait for the season to play out before I feel 100% certain that Q should move along. I respect his accomplishments but wonder if it is some veterans who MAY be tuning out. It could be just an attitude thing only or in addition to Q's ways. It gets dicey when you factor in the behind the scenes animosity between Q & Bowman which we hear whispers unsubstantiated in the press on a yearly basis.

I would bet that Q leaves, Bowman stays for now. Bowman has to do a good selling job which comforts some playoff revenue loss in McDonough and I would guess his daily plied, rubber stamp owner.

I could most definitely envision Seabs as a player/coach of sorts the latter years of his contract.
I would have also loved to see Hossa doing the same with his injury status this year.
You cannot teach heart, which both of these guys have in abundance, but you can repeatedly demonstrate it. And the young 'Hawks would benefit greatly from it.
- 35Tony0

This is so true. The perfect example is Dirk Graham. I loved his style, determination and heart as a player but, he was a disaster as a head coach.

Chicago has three prospects in his top 50, not too bad.

Pronman: 2017-18 midseason Top 50 NHL prospects

https://theathletic.com/1...son-top-50-nhl-prospects/


36. Jokiharju
40. Mitchell
42. Sikura
- DarthKane

Mitchell is small, correct. You won't know truly about him until he turns pro and scuffles with big men whom are strong and some do tower over him. But Mitchell could be a version of Keith....A smaller size guy who can lay you out with a devastating hit every once in a while. Who knows how Mi Schell might develop.

Mitchell is small, correct. You won't know truly about him until he turns pro and scuffles with big men whom are strong and some do tower over him. But Mitchell could be a version of Keith....A smaller size guy who can lay you out with a devastating hit every once in a while. Who knows how Mi Schell might develop.
- jhawk59

This is a very good comp for Ian Mitchell. He's going to play in the NHL one day. Book it. Maybe not at Keith level, but maybe a "poor mans" version of Duncan.

Chicago has three prospects in his top 50, not too bad.

Pronman: 2017-18 midseason Top 50 NHL prospects

https://theathletic.com/1...son-top-50-nhl-prospects/


36. Jokiharju
40. Mitchell
42. Sikura
- DarthKane

a couple guys taken in the 60's made the list: some people want Fox or Krys and Killingyton or Knott. you are going to miss, in general bowman's drafting has not been bad.

https://en.wikipedia.org/...go_Blackhawks_draft_picks

Q should go. As should Samuelson who has been a disaster with the D-Men. I have always liked Dineen but the PP this year has just been awful but not just awful - it has been stupid.

Q’s refusal to give Kane a right-handed left-winger who is a sniper has been the very definition of stubbornness and arrogance. Remember Panarin? Q won’t play DeBrincat there, won’t try Sharp. Hartman is a nice player but not in this key role. Also leave Schmaltz at Centre - Anisimov is simply too slow to play with Kane and Schmaltz.

Build another line around Anisimov and Hartman - they seem complimentary. Hartman and Anisimov could be very productive players if in the right rolls.

There are other forward problems that I will post about at some other time. Now the D. When Keith plays with Oesterle and Seabrook with Murphy you have 2 left-handed shots and 2 right-handed shots. Perfect you’d think - Babcock for Team Canada wanted all D-Men playing their natural sides. However, NO! Q and Samuelson play Oesterle and Murphy backwards. Ridiculous! Also, I am so sick of seeing Forsling and Rutta on the ice it is unbearable. Always out of position. Never win a puck battle. Never take the body. Rutta is a big player who plays very small and weak. How either of them play ahead of Kempny I don’t know - actually I do know - Q and Samuelson. Also there is a difference between D-Men joining the play or pinching when it makes sense to do so and just doing so all the time, which actually seems like the Hawks approach. Should be defence first always. Just stupid.

Which takes us to the PP. Kane runs the PP off the right boards. He requires a right-handed shot on the blue-line that he can set up for one-timers. Also need someone with a booming shot - how about Seabrook? NO! Instead we force left-handed shooting Keith and Oesterle. One-timers almost impossible as have to go “cross-body”. Slows the PP down terribly. DeBrincat could also play the top of the diamond. The PP fails because it is set up to fail which is just stupid. If you are going to play the diamond need complimentary shots. Or don’t play the diamond and have both Keith and Seabrook on the ice near the blue-line creating space down low. However, there is one thing for sure - STOP doing what you have been doing!
- Z3Hawk

Yes there are issues with Forsling and Ruuta as you pointed out. They play, at least Forsling does because he is the best, better than Keith btw....at reacting immediately at speed. He can play a speed game. Forsling also is taught to keep moving when you are in th ed offensive zone. You see flashes of great play but all too often mixed in are some of the performance you mentioned.

The Canadian dollar is trading near it's 52 week high. The expectation is that the Bank of Canada (Canadian central bank) will raise interest rates tomorrow, this will only help drive up the value of the loonie. This is good news from a salary cap perspective, hopefully Stan will have a little more flexibility this off season.

Thanks! I stand corrected.

Still think it would have made sense to play him vs. Minnesota.

Not sure the plan for Jurco. Just think when you get a giy called up, you should try to get him in.

Same goes for Gustafsson.
- Justin Lowe

I agree they should play both Jurco and Gus. Why take thm out of Rockford if they aren't going to play? Just leave them down, bank the cap space, and call them up if someone gets hurt.

I agree they should play both Jurco and Gus. Why take thm out of Rockford if they aren't going to play? Just leave them down, bank the cap space, and call them up if someone gets hurt.
- JRoenick97

A reward for their hard work in Rockford - a higher pay cheque.

The team needs a 13th forward, Jurco is a cheaper option than Hayden. However, I'm not sure they can bank cap space. I don't think you can bank cap space as a result of LTIR (Hossa).

Samuelson has not been a disaster. Do you know what he is preaching is popular around the league. I am not going to get into a long discussion about the system. I will hope someone else on the board will do so. I have it on good authority from someone whom knows all about this stuff. Someone we all respect. You can choose yo not believe me. I am not here to fight a point of view. I did not know about Samuelson's methods, just a tad had heard something until I found out. It is not like I am making thus up. You also need to realize young players are inexperienced and are not total complete players. Few defensemen have that claim. Sure they can still look bad. And sometimes forwards Don't do their job either.

I'll tell you one blogger who knows about this stuff but he posts regularly. Maybe he will reply.
- jhawk59

Have to agree here. Look what he's gotten out of Rutta and Oesterle, who had played next no NHL games before this year. He's also made Forsling look like Lidstrom at times which is amazing for a 21 year old. Ulf's system is built on speed and quick first passes to get out of trouble. Murphy has adapted well after looking lost for a few weeks. The only one who isn't adapting is Seabs. I think that 50% not being in shape and 50% new system. Seabs was never a quick first pass guy, he is a possession and stretch pass guy. He's making a lot of unforced errors trying to get that quick first pass. I hope he comes around, but it may not be until next year. He's been noticeably more aggressive in the offensive zone since his benching.

To say Ulf has been a disaster is willfully putting your head in the sand. It's almost a fully new d-core. Outside of Keith and Seabs, no other d-man has even a season of games played with the Hawks. Ulf is doing great. Dineen is my weak link. He runs the PP and nothing has changed. Why hasn't Hayden seen any PP time in a league where traffic scores goals?

Q is an amazing coach, but sometimes even the best coaches lose their luster with one team. He could be Scotty Bowman himself, but if the players don't respond anymore, you gotta start fresh. Nashville kept Trotz for many years and even though they loved him, they fired him. Now they are contenders and Trotz is doing well in Washington.

I'm not saying we need to fire anyone, but it's possible we don't make the playoffs and a change might be good. A team with this much talent shouldn't be losing 4-0 to the kids in Detroit.