Price was a lot younger, I believe. And he had more of a track record of success leading up to that point. Crawford CAN turn it around. But so, frankly could Steve Mason. Crawford's a better bet, probably at this point. Who wants to bet their job on it? This organization has nothing else between the pipes except Emery who is on a 1 year deal.
- John Jaeckel

When your starting goalie loses four in row and has not been especially sharp my question is why does Emery not get some starts. Emery had a nice winning streak when Crawford got put back in and took over again. Hawks management want Crawford to be the man so bad that they can't see the forest because of the trees. E mery deserves some starts and I strongly believe the team plays better when he is in net. This is just an opinion so don,t jump all over me please.

Agreed.

Again, how important is home ice to this team? they haven't won a road game since.....Minnesota, before Christmas. That took a shoot out. Last regulation road win? St. Louis...December 3rd.
- SteveRain

Just odd and ironic that they're out shopping for defensive wingers, dunno what the deal is but the guy even when he played in Chicago backchecked very well.

To me, not making excuses for ANYONE, it is a systemic breakdown, forwards cheating up ice assuming someone will cover their defensive assignment, Chinese Fire Drill around the net, goalie losing all technique and confidence. Feels like Columbus only with much better players overall.

Time to stop the bleeding and protecting or promoting Leddy, Crawford, a few (umm) others.

Play Emery. Get a defenseman in here yesterday. Funny, all the Sutton bashing the last few days. He looked pretty good last night. Then again, Barker looked pretty good last night (though still slow as molasses). Get the lines right and frickin leave them there. Maybe they can get it back enough for a little run in April/May.

Craig Custance @CraigCustance Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Just spoke with someone who thinks Johnny Oduya and the Blackhawks might be a good match. Chevy knows CHI organization well.

When your starting goalie loses four in row and has not been especially sharp my question is why does Emery not get some starts. Emery had a nice winning streak when Crawford got put back in and took over again. Hawks management want Crawford to be the man so bad that they can't see the forest because of the trees. E mery deserves some starts and I strongly believe the team plays better when he is in net. This is just an opinion so don,t jump all over me please.
- flyerdude17

You need to come here more, I've been pushing Emery all year.

Craig Custance @CraigCustance Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Just spoke with someone who thinks Johnny Oduya and the Blackhawks might be a good match. Chevy knows CHI organization well.



- mrpaulish

Oduya would help, but this is also not news.

Now you have to wonder if they will spend the money and prospects on an expiring contract player they have almost no hope of re-signing.

JJ,

I don’t necessarily disagree with you although like you at the time, many of us were encouraged by the off-season acquisitions by SB. Hindsight, as they say, is 20-20.

My reflection of this team having watched every single game is that:

1. The signing & assumption that C2 is a legitimate #1 goalie was obviously pre-mature. He may yet develop in a solid #1 but I think above all Crawford has to work on the mental aspect of his game. Where that leaves us for the current season is probably in a pickle, because I don’t know that Emery (despite his decent play) can carry the team and I can’t see SB picking up a Thomas or Miller before the deadline.
2. The Hawks have been nothing if not consistent this year. All season long we have seen the Good (offense), the Bad (defense), and the ugly (special teams). The latter falls squarely on the coaching staff IMO which must be addressed during the off-season.
3. Despite their shortcomings, the team has repeatedly shown that they can compete with the elite teams in their conference (Detroit, San Jose, St. Louis, and Vancouver). So there is a ray of hope that this team can do some damage in the playoffs (which I firmly believe they will be a part of).

Since he can’t realistically address all the problems before the deadline, I believe SB has to focus on DEFENSE. The idea of another 2C or a power forward (ala Troy Brouwer) would be nice, and is needed to be sure, but the real issue is DEFENSE. One or even two PHYSICAL defensemen that can clear the front of the net, be effective on the PK, and allow Leddy and Montador to be slotted into the 3rd and 4th pairings is what is desperately needed. And who knows, with a stronger D maybe just maybe our goaltending issues might get somewhat addressed with the added confidence that goes with a stronger blueline presence.

Oduya would help, but this is also not news.

Now you have to wonder if they will spend the money and prospects on an expiring contract player they have almost no hope of re-signing.
- John Jaeckel

I know but it was said today , the roster needs a little shaking up. Id much rather see a big nasty tough d man , but the roster needs to change a little. At least Oduya will run into some one occasionally.

When your starting goalie loses four in row and has not been especially sharp my question is why does Emery not get some starts. Emery had a nice winning streak when Crawford got put back in and took over again. Hawks management want Crawford to be the man so bad that they can't see the forest because of the trees. E mery deserves some starts and I strongly believe the team plays better when he is in net. This is just an opinion so don,t jump all over me please.
- flyerdude17

I've asked myself that question several times over the course of this season. The last time Crawford struggled, Emery went something like 6-1-1, yet when Crawford gets back in, then suddenly Emery isn't good enough to warrant an occasional start here and there to keep him sharp. It's as if Q deems Crawford head and shoulders better than Emery and he only wants to play Emery if he thinks Crawford is getting tired. No reason Emery shouldn't have a few more starts by now.

You need to come here more, I've been pushing Emery all year.
- John Jaeckel

I second that... For some reason... in Chicago... The backups end up being starters by year end.

The Hawks don't EVER game plan for a team. They just play the way they want to play every game. Edmonton is one of the few teams in the league that might be faster than the Hawks, especially with their forwards. So why were the hawks trying to play a run and gun game?! Colorado and Edmonton both have the Hawks number for the same reason. Again, points to coaching for me.

You need to come here more, I've been pushing Emery all year.
- John Jaeckel

Unless Emery has some issue with his hip or other injury we do not know about I can not believe he is not being played over Crawford. It is more important to get wins rather than trying to let Crawford find his game of last year at the team's and fans expense.
I have a gut feeling Emery will be a starter somewhere in the league next year and the destination could well be Tampa Bay.

Time to eat some Crow and bench Crawford. it's obvious he's not the answer.

Time to eat some Crow and bench Crawford. it's obvious he's not the answer.

I've asked myself that question several times over the course of this season. The last time Crawford struggled, Emery went something like 6-1-1, yet when Crawford gets back in, then suddenly Emery isn't good enough to warrant an occasional start here and there to keep him sharp. It's as if Q deems Crawford head and shoulders better than Emery and he only wants to play Emery if he thinks Crawford is getting tired. No reason Emery shouldn't have a few more starts by now.
- RetiredGoalie

It's because they have salary commitment and their own credibility wrapped up in Crawford.

Their worst nightmare is coming true: the guy they chose over Antti Niemi, paid $10 million to, has been outplayed this season by a guy perceived as a journeyman with a wonky hip (no bust on Ray, he is a battler and may end up having the last laugh).

If this season ends like 2010, with the backup beating out the starter, they have a similar problem they had with Huet and Niemi, paying one not to play and keeping/replacing the other.

Stan may not have given Q the ideal roster, but Q and his staff must share blame for not making the most of what they do have to work with.

With a roster that includes the likes of Toews, Hossa, Kane, Sharp, Bolland, Keith, Seabrook, etc, it is inexcusable that the special teams play should be as bad as it's been. Coaching failure.

I am still waiting to see if Lepisto can be a legit NHL defenseman. We have plenty of evidence that Scott isn't, but has Lepisto ever been given a legit chance? Has he even played in consecutive games yet? Been given a string of 5-6 consecutive games to find his game, find his confidence? Why has O'D sat the last 2 after playing his best hockey of the year leading up to the all star break? Has Q actually fully explored all of the D options that Stan provided him with? Nope. Coaching failure.

How many bad games does Crawford have to have before Q tries the other goalie option that Stan provided him? Once he does start C2, how many soft goals does he allow before making a change? At least 2 too many last night by my count. Coaching failure.

Why does Keith play regular minutes on the PP? He's not good at it, never as been. He's overplayed as it is and yet Q keeps trotting him out there in situations where he's bound to fail. He could be resting up to do what he does best...defend. Is there no other option to play the point on the PP? Coaching failure.

Play Bickell and sit Frolik. I know Frolik isn't setting the world ablaze but at least he competes. Bickell's a non-contributing zero who's neither scored, or done any of the little things that make teams better. Best use of the options available? Nope. Coaching failure.

When I hear players say things like, and I'm paraphrasing some comments I heard earlier ths season, "we were just feeling them out, waiting for the other team to show us how they want to play so we can adjust.... ", WTF is that? Q should be coaching up this team to go out there and dictate the pace of play, to impose their will, their style on the opposition. Make the other team adapt to the Hawks style of play. Sadly the Hawks under Q either have no distinct style, or Q is forcing a style that doesn't fit the personnel he's got. Either way...Coaching failure.

Until Q proves that he's doing everything he can, exhausted every option, tried everything...I can't put the majority of the blame on anyone else. Stan has been far from perfect, but Q has been brutal. No more tick - tock, the clock has wound down, the alarm is sounding. Will Stan wake up? Or will he just keep hitting snooze?

Like Pri$ey said on the last thread, sometimes the coach is the answer...just ask STL.

Missed the 1st period last nite...so i had a chance to watch the reply.

I am stunned. After watching that period if you had told me they would get outscored 8-3 after that......no way!!

They played a great period all the way around; other than their well known PPPP (pathetically putrid power play) at the end of the period.

At least 6-7 prime scoring chances: Seabs, Toews (2), Kane (2), Shaw, Stalberg, Hossa....Dubnyk stopped'em. They were all over the Oilers. Nicely killed to penalties.

There was no indication from Crawford on out that a collapse was in the offing.

Go figure this game!!

Time to eat some Crow and bench Crawford. it's obvious he's not the answer.
- dstarz20

I think you meant Craw, lol

I second that... For some reason... in Chicago... The backups end up being starters by year end.
- wolverine19

At this point, you gotta go with Emery given the fact that Crawford seems to have lost it. However, I can't fault the Hawks for giving Crawford every opportunity to try and right the ship.

Think long-term, if you go with Emery as your goalie, he is definitely gone next year. Then you have Crawford with absolutely zero confidence (which has happened anyways) and two more years at a nice contract. Then there's no room to get another quality goalie AND fix the defense (let alone more bottom six depth), so they have the same problem next year and the year after that. No cheap defenseman in the pipeline unless you believe Olsen and Lalonde can right the ship.

But, like I said, at this point Crawford's lost it anyways.

It's because they have salary commitment and their own credibility wrapped up in Crawford.

Their worst nightmare is coming true: the guy they chose over Antti Niemi, paid $10 million to, has been outplayed this season by a guy perceived as a journeyman with a wonky hip (no bust on Ray, he is a battler and may end up having the last laugh).

If this season ends like 2010, with the backup beating out the starter, they have a similar problem they had with Huet and Niemi, paying one not to play and keeping/replacing the other.
- John Jaeckel

Yikes nightmare scenario...follow the bouncing goalie: Khabby, Huet, Niemi, Turco, Crawford, Emery and ???

It's because they have salary commitment and their own credibility wrapped up in Crawford.

Their worst nightmare is coming true: the guy they chose over Antti Niemi, paid $10 million to, has been outplayed this season by a guy perceived as a journeyman with a wonky hip (no bust on Ray, he is a battler and may end up having the last laugh).

If this season ends like 2010, with the backup beating out the starter, they have a similar problem they had with Huet and Niemi, paying one not to play and keeping/replacing the other.
- John Jaeckel

If the Hawks end up going to Emery and riding him the rest of the year regardless of whether they win the cup or not, I'm guessing they would not give him a big contract because of the hip concern and would let him walk. At that point do you think the Hawks would seek another goalie and look to deal Crawford. His salary isn't exhorbitant so it would seem they could move him if they wanted to, but would his trading value be shot by the fact he was replaced by Emery.

Unless Emery has some issue with his hip or other injury we do not know about I can not believe he is not being played over Crawford. It is more important to get wins rather than trying to let Crawford find his game of last year at the team's and fans expense.
I have a gut feeling Emery will be a starter somewhere in the league next year and the destination could well be Tampa Bay.
- flyerdude17

Emery should be playing more. You are spot on. I suspect Q was trying to avoid a situation like the Huet/Niemi one in 2010 where Crawfords confidence like Huets would be shot leaving Emery as the only alternative.

When your starting goalie loses four in row and has not been especially sharp my question is why does Emery not get some starts. Emery had a nice winning streak when Crawford got put back in and took over again. Hawks management want Crawford to be the man so bad that they can't see the forest because of the trees. E mery deserves some starts and I strongly believe the team plays better when he is in net. This is just an opinion so don,t jump all over me please.
- flyerdude17

Crawford came off a good game and with back to backs the starter stays for one more usually.

Just odd and ironic that they're out shopping for defensive wingers, dunno what the deal is but the guy even when he played in Chicago backchecked very well.

To me, not making excuses for ANYONE, it is a systemic breakdown, forwards cheating up ice assuming someone will cover their defensive assignment, Chinese Fire Drill around the net, goalie losing all technique and confidence. Feels like Columbus only with much better players overall.

Time to stop the bleeding and protecting or promoting Leddy, Crawford, a few (umm) others.

Play Emery. Get a defenseman in here yesterday. Funny, all the Sutton bashing the last few days. He looked pretty good last night. Then again, Barker looked pretty good last night (though still slow as molasses). Get the lines right and frickin leave them there. Maybe they can get it back enough for a little run in April/May.
- John Jaeckel

I will say this, I do enjoy this blog....I dont' always agree with everything that is said, but the thoughts/opinions are well thought out and bring things to my attention that I usually over look.

The core by itself is good enough for a run to the 2nd round. that's the sad part. They just need the RIGHT role players, and a defensive commitment.

Agreed on Emery. Time for Crawford to sit on his ass. I know you saw Sassone's tweet about comparing Crawford last night to Huet in Columbus 2 years ago. Dead nuts on....

I still remember that four game stretch last year where Haviland took over for Q and he just let the lines sit and the team as a whole looked a lot better for it. I appreciate all Q has done for us but he needs to go, whatever he's doing isn't working anymore.

At this point, you gotta go with Emery given the fact that Crawford seems to have lost it. However, I can't fault the Hawks for giving Crawford every opportunity to try and right the ship.

Think long-term, if you go with Emery as your goalie, he is definitely gone next year. Then you have Crawford with absolutely zero confidence (which has happened anyways) and two more years at a nice contract. Then there's no room to get another quality goalie AND fix the defense (let alone more bottom six depth), so they have the same problem next year and the year after that. No cheap defenseman in the pipeline unless you believe Olsen and Lalonde can right the ship.

But, like I said, at this point Crawford's lost it anyways.
- coldsteelonice

They been paying Huet 5.6 mil for the last couple years to be else where... Two more years of paying Crawford at 2.6 mil to play else where is nothing they will be saving at least 2.5 mil a year.

problem solved!