Amongst all the trade talk, I can't help but focus on an outstanding issue that can be addressed instantly that we have total control of.

Coaching.

Defensively we are atrocious, which is tribute to the system we use, which is issued by the coaching staff.

Speaking of our 'system', we literally are embracing a puck moving mentality when we don't have the players to employ it. We play poke check defense, and give the opposing offense all sorts of time and space. We don't play the body. We let opposing teams set up in front of our net, unchecked and un challenged. Routinely we have a defensemen sitting on the far post, mesmerized by the puck and not marking up there man. We roll 2 d lines while the 3rd skates 6 shifts a game.

It's total chaos in our own end. There is no consistency. No uniformity. No cohesion.

Give this roster to a Coach that demands discipline and accountability.
- Fat_Tony_Amonte

...Speaking of our 'system', we literally are embracing a puck moving mentality when we don't have the players to employ it....

That's a big part of it. Not to shine my own nose but I have been saying that since the beginning of the year.

The most aggravating thing for fans should be the realization that the brass ring is in reach but mistakes have to be realized and fixed. If not hope for the best.

I was a die hard until 2008, but after watching the 5th playoff implosion in my lifetime, I gave up.

Paid vs actual attendance, I agree with...
- SteveRain

Me too; 84, 89, 03, 07 & 08 plus other infamous years; who can forget 69, then only see a 2nd half collapse in 77, an entire starting rotation hurt in 85, play 163 in 98 for a WC only to get swept, then lame ass RS finishes in 01 & 04. However.... I'm going to give Ricketts and Epstein a shot here. 4th generation fan and I'm not about to give up yet...

But just think what the Cubs did (a LOT with McD), they marketed the "experience". Can't we all see the "experience" being marketed at 1901 W. Madison St.?

Flames will be all over Hawks tonight after 2 days off and Hawks bloodied and staggering to 3rd game 4 nites.

Not hopefull on this one.....kool-aid drip did not work!
- bogiedoc

Agreed...The Flames may be on the outside lookin' in, but they will forecheck the Hawks into pulp tonight.

If our overall D is better, and how could it not be, the Hawks will likely still get a butt kicking.

4-2 Flames win...

That said, I would luv to be proven wrong.

Big Al...missed you. I'm shocked I didn't get banned, because I let that CanUSA17 have it pretty good during those times.

Whatever...welcome back...just in time for the stretch run!
- SteveRain

Haha. That loser CanUsa17 , smdh , what a loser. The Packers , Patriots , Man United , Canucks, Miami Heat fan. Loser.

Not to quibble, but have you looked at the team stats? No comparison...
The Wings bad game in Montreal? They won 7 straight before it, and have won 2 straight since.

Yeah...alot to complain about.
- ArlingtonRob

The best comparison is the Bruins struggles with the Canes...But I think a couple of their losses happened in the beginning of the year when the B's were not too good.

Thanks--like nothing changed. Same well-directed sarcasm and analysis.

Same thoughts on the Cubs in your other post--that's like going back to an old girlfriend way too many times. Done with that, and I grew up in the 70s (when they were horrible) worshipping them via Vince Lloyd, Lou Boudreau, and Jack Brickhouse. I don't even go there anymore, and it's still tough to stomach McDounough bringing that crap with him.
- AL SEC0RD

You'll struggle with this until you try your hardest to disconnect the biz side from the hockey side.

That said, if it's determined the marketing of this team drives the hockey operations decisions, that's another story.

Me too; 84, 89, 03, 07 & 08 plus other infamous years; who can forget 69, then only see a 2nd half collapse in 77, an entire starting rotation hurt in 85, play 163 in 98 for a WC only to get swept, then lame ass RS finishes in 01 & 04. However.... I'm going to give Ricketts and Epstein a shot here. 4th generation fan and I'm not about to give up yet...

But just think what the Cubs did (a LOT with McD), they marketed the "experience". Can't we all see the "experience" being marketed at 1901 W. Madison St.?
- blackhawk24

The "experience" is fine, but at today's prices? It takes more than fun at the ol' ballpark.

Haha. That loser CanUsa17 , smdh , what a loser. The Packers , Patriots , Man United , Canucks, Miami Heat fan. Loser.
- mrpaulish

I'd rather just say, bag of d!cks.

That's a very interesting parallel.

I don't really get the McCaskey/Phillips/Angelo/Smith vibe from the pressers just yet. Suppose that doesn't mean it's not headed that way - I'm just wondering if all of this is tied up in the backlash of a paltry January followed by last night's posterior-pounding. If they had won the game last night, I don't think anyone would be writing that the front office is arrogant today...
- FredoXV

Jeez, you mean folks cannot see the eerie similarities between Lovie after the Bears crapped the bed and Q after our beloved Blackhawks had done the same (for the 2nd time against the same team, no less)????

Here I thought you'd have a bunch of bleep-outs. And what did we get? That "we" were fine.

Really?
Really??
Really Q???

Time for you to go Q. I've had enough.

Same reason I was so pissed off that when the Bears "cleaned house" that part of the house-cleaning didn't include one Lovie "milquetoast" Smith. I stopped following the Bears after their most recent Super Bowl appearance (well, debacle).

I'm feeling exactly the same way about Q and his "system." Stick-check, puck possession, shuffle-the-deck lines -- it all adds up to the same crock-o-sh!t.

Tell me what other NHL team/coach blessed with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Stalberg, Sharp, Seabrook would have as pathetic a power play scheme (and results)???

SteveRain, save me a spot in line at Binny's

Haha. That loser CanUsa17 , smdh , what a loser. The Packers , Patriots , Man United , Canucks, Miami Heat fan. Loser.
- mrpaulish

That's the list he cheers for? What a front runner. Must be a friggin' Yankee fan too.

The best comparison is the Bruins struggles with the Canes...But I think a couple of their losses happened in the beginning of the year when the B's were not too good.
- Al

There aren't any games between Boston and Carolina like the two in Edmonton though. And it's not like these are the only two bad games the 'Hawks have had this year. They turn it on for a period here and there and you think they are great, but they haven't had a whole lot of solid 60 minute games. They have had a lot of mediocre games and a too many pretty bad games for an elite team.

The "experience" is fine, but at today's prices? It takes more than fun at the ol' ballpark.
- ArlingtonRob

You're right. And I've had these battles on Cubs blogs a lot in recent years. If the Cubs overpriced their product - for its value - then there will be a market correction. All the whiners there just constantly b!tched about ST prices and the bleachers especially ... but the dumb-asses kept going. I told them the market would correct. And lo and behold this year prices started falling. And if I'm right about what 2012 will bring (90 losses, perhaps more), then 2013, if the Mayans and Hopi's are wrong, prices will drop further.

just saw a tweet from Sassone that said some hawk players congratulated Gagner on the ice last night. Tim goes on to say that it should be addressed by Q and/or Stan.

There's the loveable, soft hawks.
- Dino_Sucks

That's interesting as many here and Edzo for that matter were insulted that Tom Renny was sending Gagner out every other shift and saying that the Hawks should have done something about it. What they should have done is PLAY BETTER DEFENSE. That said they shouldn't have been congratulating the guy on the ice either.

The best comparison is the Bruins struggles with the Canes...But I think a couple of their losses happened in the beginning of the year when the B's were not too good.
- Al

Agree with ya Al. The Bruins struggles with Carolina this year are odd, especially when considering their play on a nightly basis.

Then again, the Senators despite being very competitive this year, still can't get a point from the Bruins.

It's a funny game sometimes.

Agreed...The Flames may be on the outside lookin' in, but they will forecheck the Hawks into pulp tonight.
If our overall D is better, and how could it not be, the Hawks will likely still get a butt kicking.

4-2 Flames win...

That said, I would luv to be proven wrong.
- ArlingtonRob

Well put. They will outhit the 'Hawks by a 5-2 margin. I hope you're wrong on the score but I won't be surprised and I sure as hell would not take a bet, straight up.

You're right. And I've had these battles on Cubs blogs a lot in recent years. If the Cubs overpriced their product - for its value - then there will be a market correction. All the whiners there just constantly b!tched about ST prices and the bleachers especially ... but the dumb-asses kept going. I told them the market would correct. And lo and behold this year prices started falling. And if I'm right about what 2012 will bring (90 losses, perhaps more), then 2013, if the Mayans and Hopi's are wrong, prices will drop further.
- blackhawk24

Personally, I hardly attend any games for any sport. Too damn much money...period. Went to my first Hawks game in several years couple weeks ago. Lucky for me it was a great effort (Win over SJ), but the tickets were a gift.

There aren't any games between Boston and Carolina like the two in Edmonton though. And it's not like these are the only two bad games the 'Hawks have had this year. They turn it on for a period here and there and you think they are great, but they haven't had a whole lot of solid 60 minute games. They have had a lot of mediocre games and a too many pretty bad games for an elite team.
- AL SEC0RD

I was trying to be positive...

Jeez, you mean folks cannot see the eerie similarities between Lovie after the Bears crapped the bed and Q after our beloved Blackhawks had done the same (for the 2nd time against the same team, no less)????

Here I thought you'd have a bunch of bleep-outs. And what did we get? That "we" were fine.

Really?
Really??
Really Q???

Time for you to go Q. I've had enough.

Same reason I was so pissed off that when the Bears "cleaned house" that part of the house-cleaning didn't include one Lovie "milquetoast" Smith. I stopped following the Bears after their most recent Super Bowl appearance (well, debacle).

I'm feeling exactly the same way about Q and his "system." Stick-check, puck possession, shuffle-the-deck lines -- it all adds up to the same crock-o-sh!t.

Tell me what other NHL team/coach blessed with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Stalberg, Sharp, Seabrook would have as pathetic a power play scheme (and results)???

SteveRain, save me a spot in line at Binny's


- savvyone-1

Didn't see last night's presser, due to extreme fatigue and agitation. Doesn't sound like a rave review, there, savvy.

Agree with ya Al. The Bruins struggles with Carolina this year are odd, especially when considering their play on a nightly basis.

Then again, the Senators despite being very competitive this year, still can't get a point from the Bruins.

It's a funny game sometimes.
- ArlingtonRob

And if the Hawks don't check a faster team with skill like the Oil they will have a problem...Especially if the goal tending is one sided.

Tell me what other NHL team/coach blessed with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Stalberg, Sharp, Seabrook would have as pathetic a power play scheme (and results)???

- savvyone-1

Any other team without a bonafide shooter from the point. All of the perimeter talent in the world does not help you if the opposing PK unit only has to worry about four of the five guys on the PP unit. Then you are essentially 4 on 4 with the point man just there to try and keep the puck in the O zone.

At this point I am not totally convinced there is a fix via trade fir this year. I think a series of major off season moves needs to take place. Other wise we are looking at the Cubs on ice.

Q I belive has lost this team and that's the first change I make. So I ask who would the replacement list of coaches consist of?

Jeez, you mean folks cannot see the eerie similarities between Lovie after the Bears crapped the bed and Q after our beloved Blackhawks had done the same (for the 2nd time against the same team, no less)????

Here I thought you'd have a bunch of bleep-outs. And what did we get? That "we" were fine.

Really?
Really??
Really Q???

Time for you to go Q. I've had enough.

Same reason I was so pissed off that when the Bears "cleaned house" that part of the house-cleaning didn't include one Lovie "milquetoast" Smith. I stopped following the Bears after their most recent Super Bowl appearance (well, debacle).

I'm feeling exactly the same way about Q and his "system." Stick-check, puck possession, shuffle-the-deck lines -- it all adds up to the same crock-o-sh!t.

Tell me what other NHL team/coach blessed with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Stalberg, Sharp, Seabrook would have as pathetic a power play scheme (and results)???

SteveRain, save me a spot in line at Binny's


- savvyone-1

The similarity between Q and Lovie is that you have two coaches that are so married to their system that they are too stubborn to change it when it's not working.

I'll take Cammalleri in the Which Flame Bags 8 points tonight pool.

Any other team without a bonafide shooter from the point. All of the perimeter talent in the world does not help you if the opposing PK unit only has to worry about four of the five guys on the PP unit. Then you are essentially 4 on 4 with the point man just there to try and keep the puck in the O zone.
- Return of the Roar

Coaching decision.

The 1 guy they should have at the point they pulled off PP duty with Morrison's arrival. Yep, you knew this was coming . . . one Nick Leddy.

As Philco has pointed out, he DOES have a cannon. Except now you've got this totally f'd up set of PP units. Does anyone really know what the fcuk they are doing behind that Hawks bench?

To let Keith, the one guy of all the D that has absolutely no business being on the PP, man the point, carry the puck up and make his idiotic and ill-timed drop passes or lateral passes to a teammate within 6 feet of him makes no sense at all. The guy clearly has no ability to set up the PP -- nor the ability to get a shot through and on-net.

Q I belive has lost this team and that's the first change I make. So I ask who would the replacement list of coaches consist of?
- blkhwkfn

Just for grins . . . and I know Al will kick my a$$ for saying this . . . would like to see Denny Savard back behind the bench.

Savvy was nothing if not passionate -- his teams always had heart and soul. He wore his on his sleeve and if nothing else, you might expect 100% effort. And at least he had some better feel for line combinations and did not play wheel--of-forward with the lines every period of every game.

I know it won't happen.