this year is quickly becoming the titanic and nothing seems to be in the offing that will right the sinking ship. too many core players that aren't delivering, not enough depth, below average goaltending.
giving up on this year because goaltending just isn't up to par, partly due to the D but the majority rests on Craw.

A lot of folks like to point to Cup champs as the "team" to be measured against and they are right...the correct mix of skill, toughness, grit, D, goaltending, youth and the right contracts - but can't go thru the same purge every 3 years due to cap

by adhering to the current core, they will always be trying to patch in players on a wing and a prayer looking to get back to the promised land and I don't have much faith in Stanbo to pull it off.

Whats the alternative? bust up the "core" - its too big. what's the purpose? land the holy grail. If they aren't going to reach for the brass ring each year, what's the point? This is Chicago. This is the Blackhawks. Original 6.

The team is too small, too finese, too cute. Partly on the players, partly on the coaches.

Havi is ready to take the lead - time to turn it over to him...jettison Q and Kitch. There is far too much talent on this team to have the PP & PK be as dreadful as they are - that falls squarely on the coaches. A fish rots from the head down - now Havi and Kitch could be working within the parameters laid out by Q and handcuffed - but Kitch just seems to turn gold into hay no matter what.

The true core of this team is Toews, Hoss,and Seabs. The up and comers to hang on to appear to be Shaw, Kruger, Leddy, & Stalberg - maybe Hayes. Every "core" player can't be a $6m contract - there are youngsters that can be identified as long term players that can have reasonable contracts but they also need an exit strategy for each player....other than JT...he better retire as a BHawk!!!!!

Players I would hate to see go...Sharp, Hammer, and dare I submit to the court...Carcillo

The rest are open game. Kane, Keith, Bolland, Crow, prospects, picks, in addition to the usual suspects.

Players to pinpoint? Perry or Getzlaf and Sbisa. Corey Schneider. Okposo & Matt Martin. Luke Schenn, Smid, Bogosian & Kane?????

You build from the goaltender out. Protect the house. The Hawks have done just the opposite and we are seeing the results.

A snarl and cocky attitude, net crashers, in your face would be nice to watch as opposed to the product we've been watchin for a year and a half.
- dpard

...Or a pick a style of play and stick with it by adding players to compliment what is in place. Currently there is a disconect.