I would have to believe that Quenneville had significant input on who to acquire this offseason. Given that Brunette and Mayers were signed. Last year at this time almost everyone on here wanted Bowman to trade for Montador as a #5 Dman. O'Donnell is exactly what he was brought in here to be. A #6/#7 defenseman.

I don't think the free agent signings from last year were the problem. I think signing Frolik was the biggest mistake, but again, everyone on here last year said Frolik was going to be great with Hossa. Another mistake was thinking Bickell could replace Brouwer. Again, many people thought that was possible given last year's playoffs. The other big mistake was thinking Leddy could fill Campbell's shoes. Back in November, everyone was raving about Leddy being a future Norris trophy winner.

What has changed? All these players Keith, Frolik, Bickell, Kane, Leddy, Bolland, have significantly regressed this year. It's Q and his system that is the problem.

Also, wanted to ask the experts, where is Torchetti these days? Could they bring him back as an assistant for Havi?
- coldsteelonice

Torch is coaching in Houston for the Minn AHL affiliate there.

I would suspect he would take a head coaching job not an assistant role as that was why he left Chicago. They were pegging him to take over for that Atlanta/Winnipeg team but it didn't end up working out that way.

CSN's Chris Boden just tweeted...

Just intvwd. #Blackhawks' Stan Bowman for tonite's "SportsNet Central" at 630 & tomorrow's pregame. Q is "absolutely" the guy moving fwd

Of course he can't say the opposite but this could be the dreaded vote of confidence.

I would have to believe that Quenneville had significant input on who to acquire this offseason. Given that Brunette and Mayers were signed. Last year at this time almost everyone on here wanted Bowman to trade for Montador as a #5 Dman. O'Donnell is exactly what he was brought in here to be. A #6/#7 defenseman.

I don't think the free agent signings from last year were the problem. I think signing Frolik was the biggest mistake, but again, everyone on here last year said Frolik was going to be great with Hossa. Another mistake was thinking Bickell could replace Brouwer. Again, many people thought that was possible given last year's playoffs. The other big mistake was thinking Leddy could fill Campbell's shoes. Back in November, everyone was raving about Leddy being a future Norris trophy winner.

What has changed? All these players Keith, Frolik, Bickell, Kane, Leddy, Bolland, have significantly regressed this year. It's Q and his system that is the problem.

Also, wanted to ask the experts, where is Torchetti these days? Could they bring him back as an assistant for Havi?
- coldsteelonice

I would have to believe that Quenneville had significant input on who to acquire this offseason

I mentioned the same in today's article and that could lead to Q's downfall...

Q's biggest fault is he never changed from the 2010 style but the problems started here in the summer with Bowman moves.

He stated then Florida offered the most value for Campbell but Olesz has been of no value to the Hawks....I don't think Q. pulled the trigger on that deal.

Bowman overvalued his roster...Paid up for Frolik insead of Brouwer, signed a bunch of dmen and not one can kill penalties effectively. Counted on Leddy to be Campbells replacement. Underestimated the scrutiny Carcillo would be under from officials and I could go on but....

Q. isn't blameless and bringing in his buddy Kitchen hasn't worked well either.

There is enough blame to go around and now it is up to Bowman to fix things.

Exactly.

Gutting the roster was not a consideration here in the summer of 2010.
- StLBravesFan

I don't think the owner of the Panthers would give him a wait and see grade. Attendance up, 1st place in thier division, 3rd in their conference, 22 mil in cap space next year vs the pathetic last place team they had last year.

And how did he get the cap room? Through masterfully gutting the roster getting teams to take on the lies of Rusty O's contract pairing his payroll down to 15 mil. We will never know what he would have done here. IMO, he wouldn't have dealt who we dealt for starters..
- ilinkhawk

Agreed. It would've been a precarious situation for any GM to partake but I would entrust the man who built a great team to tear it down also, IMO. You made your bed now lie in it... is how I think.

Agreed. It would've been a precarious situation for any GM to partake but I would entrust the man who built a great team to tear it down also, IMO. You made your bed now lie in it... is how I think.
- Chicago

Tallon wasn't without fault. But he sure seemed to attempt to right his wrongs alot more than Bowman does... And he also seems to have a better handle of how to construct a roster with certain players to fill certain roles. Bowman to me puts alot of square pegs in round holes.

CSNBoden Chris Boden
Bowman also says "we're not focused on goaltending" before deadline & market remains quiet.

I hate this clown each passing day.

CSN's Chris Boden just tweeted...

Just intvwd. #Blackhawks' Stan Bowman for tonite's "SportsNet Central" at 630 & tomorrow's pregame. Q is "absolutely" the guy moving fwd

Of course he can't say the opposite but this could be the dreaded vote of confidence.
- golfbard

Well, good for him for taking the pressure on himself. Because that's where it now is.

Today's article on My Fox Chicago....

Big $$ at stake..How long will Rocky be patient? Q. on hot seat, Kitchen, Haviland, Bowmans and more:http://bit.ly/wsRwv9


Desperate Times...
- Al

Very good read, Al

Any idea if Stan and Co. reads your stuff?

I hate this clown each passing day.
- JoeHawks88

I actually think you fix the forward and blueline defense somewhat (a lot) and goalie is maybe not really a problem at all.

Very good read, Al

Any idea if Stan and Co. reads your stuff?
- nelli312

I think the Hawks as an Organization are well aware of the media...

...and with a physical LW and look out.
- blackhawk24

+1

I'm getting tired of seeing Toews mugged on a nightly basis. They sure good use a big physical winger who can play and at the same time stop the abuse Toews has been receiving lately.

Well, good for him for taking the pressure on himself. Because that's where it now is.
- John Jaeckel

Little choice, but you are exactly right.

I would have to believe that Quenneville had significant input on who to acquire this offseason

I mentioned the same in today's article and that could lead to Q's downfall...

Q's biggest fault is he never changed from the 2010 style but the problems started here in the summer with Bowman moves.

He stated then Florida offered the most value for Campbell but Olesz has been of no value to the Hawks....I don't think Q. pulled the trigger on that deal.

Bowman overvalued his roster...Paid up for Frolik insead of Brouwer, signed a bunch of dmen and not one can kill penalties effectively. Counted on Leddy to be Campbells replacement. Underestimated the scrutiny Carcillo would be under from officials and I could go on but....

Q. isn't blameless and bringing in his buddy Kitchen hasn't worked well either.

There is enough blame to go around and now it is up to Bowman to fix things.
- Al

Given the roster Bowman gave Q... what style would you play? Not puck posession. Not dump chase and hit either.

Well, good for him for taking the pressure on himself. Because that's where it now is.
- John Jaeckel

Next quote from McD: 'absolutely Bowman is our guy going forward'

I don't think the owner of the Panthers would give him a wait and see grade. Attendance up, 1st place in thier division, 3rd in their conference, 22 mil in cap space next year vs the pathetic last place team they had last year.
- ilinkhawk

exactly , anyone could have improved the panthers with that much cap space an the new cap floor. Of course attendence is up , no one was there last year. Lets see the panthers sustain it. They also have a big chance to miss the playoffs this year.

exactly , anyone could have improved the panthers with that much cap space an the new cap floor. Of course attendence is up , no one was there last year. Lets see the panthers sustain it. They also have a big chance to miss the playoffs this year.
- mrpaulish

They also have a big chance to make the playoffs this year. They had 0 chance last year.

Tallon wasn't without fault. But he sure seemed to attempt to right his wrongs alot more than Bowman does... And he also seems to have a better handle of how to construct a roster with certain players to fill certain roles. Bowman to me puts alot of square pegs in round holes.
- ilinkhawk

Exactly. Tallon had a keen eye for talent. He knew what he wanted and how to get there. Even if he had to overpay a little.

He built a team with superb speed, skill, and depth. And to top it all off he dashed a perfect amount of grit. They dominated both the reg. season and postseason.

Tallon was a career hockey guy. Is Bowman?

Well, good for him for taking the pressure on himself. Because that's where it now is.
- John Jaeckel

Yes indeed.

Next quote from McD: 'absolutely Bowman is our guy going forward'
- bogiedoc

They can't keep throwing out a "vote of confidence" for everyone. Not for too long at least. Eventually, something has got to give, and someone is going to get saddled with the blame and take a fall for it.

Exactly. Tallon had a keen eye for talent. He knew what he wanted and how to get there. Even if he had to overpay a little.

He built a team with superb speed, skill, and depth. And to top it all off he dashed a perfect amount of grit. They dominated both the reg. season and postseason.

Tallon was a career hockey guy who been through it all. Has Bowman?
- Chicago

They also have a big chance to make the playoffs this year. They had 0 chance last year.
- ilinkhawk

They have to outplay Washington . That will be diffucult.

exactly , anyone could have improved the panthers with that much cap space an the new cap floor. Of course attendence is up , no one was there last year. Lets see the panthers sustain it. They also have a big chance to miss the playoffs this year.
- mrpaulish

...And they are not in the toughest of divisions either.

They have to outplay Washington . That will be diffucult.
- mrpaulish

Even having this conversation last year would have been comical. A+ for Dale.

My comment meant Burke more than most other GM's relishes fixing things right away....If he trades a Schenn or a roster player my view is he would want immediate help back.

I have not heard any whispers on Toronto...Was only a general comment as to how Burke has operated in the past.
- Al

Unless he is clearing room for another deal....