Schenn was horrendous on Saturday night but one thing he brings is youth, physical play and toughness and a willingness to drop em if necessary. He wouldn't stand for watching his captain get abused and pushed around like most of the disgusting woosies on this current Hawks team do.

The opposition's game plan is obvious for all to see - pound on Toews before and after the whistle, the Hawks won't fight back. If changing that costs McNeill or Saad that's the price if you want to change things.
- RickJ

I like your line of thinking Rick. That is the type of player that is missing from this roster. It'd be nice to find 2-3 with some attitude and nastiness.

Remember the year before the Cup during the CGY series? Borque was taking shots at Kane all series. Then Burish broke his stick on a cross check to the shoulder/neck area and the nonsense seemed to stop from CGY?

Wasn't it the Cup year when Kesler was talking in the media, Ladd challenged him to drop em at the UC and promptly bloodied Kessler?

Or how about the Cup Finals when it seemed like Pronger was a force until Big Buff put Pronger through the boards with a fantastic hit.

Those types of responses and those types of players are what the Hawks need. It picks the team up and eliminates the nonsense from the other team.

Get ready for the following:

More shrugging and saying the trade market is dead. They will only make a move if a really good one presents itself (don't hold your breath). And they will do something in the offseason—only once the labor issue is settled.

Lots of message control between now and then.

As Sassone tweeted yesterday, if I understood it correctly, the beat writers are literally intimidated not to call out senior management. Someone asked him why he doesn't call them out, are you scared, and he replied "yes".

Think about why Rick Telander and Rick Morrissey (neither of whom have ever covered hockey I believe) are writing the only Hawk opinion pieces in the Sun-Times—and not Jahns.

Ask Josh M.

Unless they are seriously blowing smoke on Q, they will go on lockdown. If a great deal presents itself, great. Otherwise, it will be what it will be.
- John Jaeckel

and he replied "yes".

Think about why Rick Telander and Rick Morrissey (neither of whom have ever covered hockey I believe) are writing the only Hawk opinion pieces in the Sun-Times—and not Jahns.

I might be wrong but there could have been some sarcasm in Tim's response...

The second point is nothing new...

Beat writers blend in opinions at some point but that isn't there main focus the majority of the time...They report.

Featured writers have had the same MO here in every sport...And they are more interview/opinion focused.

They go where there is a hot story and write pieces...Now the hot Hawks story points to criticizing etc...becuse things have slipped so badly.

Jesse seems to be the lone guy banging the Khabibulin drum. The players required to turn this around > Khabibulin and Burish. And I also believe Khabibulin burned bridges.

PP design is seriously flawed. They need another PK defenseman a la Hjalmarsson— a shot blocker.
- John Jaeckel

Habby is not needed. Burish is and we could use a couple more of his type.

They need at least one of each of the following:

- a forward who is physical and tough to play against, preferably who can kill penalties and take draws
- a physical, stay at home d-man who can block shots and kill penalties.

2 or each, or one of one and two of the other would be preferable. But they need it right now. If they wait til the deadline, they will be out of it.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

Didn't read this entire thread but what are you hearing? Something has got to give soon.

It is an unacceptable on so many levels that this team has an 8 game losing streak. I feel that if Q was going to be fired it would've been yesterday so I think he'll remain the HC the rest of the year but if that's the case then it's on SB and hockey ops to start making some moves. I'm tired of hearing that nobody wants to trade, there are people who make things happen and then there's everybody else. If Bowman wants to not only keep his job but regain some of the trust in the fanbase, he better start making things happen asap.

If you were Rocky, would you broom McD or restructure the reporting lines of the organizational chart?
- RickJ

I have heard McDonough already has eyes on his next position anyway. Believe me, this is getting really "not fun" for him.

I like your line of thinking Rick. That is the type of player that is missing from this roster. It'd be nice to find 2-3 with some attitude and nastiness.

Remember the year before the Cup during the CGY series? Borque was taking shots at Kane all series. Then Burish broke his stick on a cross check to the shoulder/neck area and the nonsense seemed to stop from CGY?

Wasn't it the Cup year when Kesler was talking in the media, Ladd challenged him to drop em at the UC and promptly bloodied Kessler?

Or how about the Cup Finals when it seemed like Pronger was a force until Big Buff put Pronger through the boards with a fantastic hit.

Those types of responses and those types of players are what the Hawks need. It picks the team up and eliminates the nonsense from the other team.
- Dino_Sucks

We replaced Burish, Eager, Ladd, Buff, Versteeg, Brouwer with....

Frolik, Bickell, Brunette, Stalberg, Mayers, Kruger

This is your story... a major problem when your core is mostly skill players

My view is this roster can't play a 2010 style consistently and be succesful.
- Al

It never could -- and could not last year.

I have stated since last year that Q is one of the most hard-headed guys around. Unwilling to bend, inflexible to say the least.

Allowing a guy like Kitchen to run special teams. FUBAR'd for sure.

It's been said a million or more times about the definition of insanity. So tell me Mr. Stan Bowman, now that you've given your coach that big vote of confidence. What is going to change? Have you all scared the crap out of Q by having Daddy join the club on the road for the end of this debacle? Is Daddy going to give Q the secret formula(s) for success and is he scared enough now to enlist those remedies.

Let us not forget the infamous switching of line-mates "suggested" by Daddy on the plane to get 1/2 of your elite 4 away from Chris Pronger. If Q was the genius some make him out to be, what the f took him so long?

This is a team beyond repair. This is a team that has quit on its coach and I believe no matter what "system" gets implemented in the near-term, nothing will revive it or its hopes of getting to the playoffs in 2012. Anything short of having 1 or more big names traded away to put the fear of God in the others, nothing will make an impact. They did it Q's way. It didn't work. It's never going to work with the personnel they have. And I believe the team is tired of listening to the same old story told in a new way.

What's the saying about putting lipstick on a pig . . .

and he replied "yes".

Think about why Rick Telander and Rick Morrissey (neither of whom have ever covered hockey I believe) are writing the only Hawk opinion pieces in the Sun-Times—and not Jahns.

I might be wrong but there could have been some sarcasm in Tim's response...

The second point is nothing new...

Beat writers blend in opinions at some point but that isn't there main focus the majority of the time...They report.

Featured writers have had the same MO here in every sport...And they are more interview/opinion focused.

They go where there is a hot story and write pieces...Now the hot Hawks story points to criticizing etc...becuse things have slipped so badly.
- Al

I considered that. But he should have considered how it would have been taken. I don't know exactly what he meant.

But either way, you and I both know where the truth lies, don't we?

Are you saying they aren't intimidated? I am saying they are. Nothing against them. They are in a tough position.

I have yet to see a "beat" writer here get really critical. Please. Maybe Rogers. I think Tim used to be moreso, actually.

Sure, I certainly get the distinction between day to day beat guys and columnists—it's as old as dirt. However, read Portzline some time or really any of the regular beat people in other cities. They are much more vocal and direct with criticism.

I have heard McDonough already has eyes on his next position anyway. Believe me, this is getting really "not fun" for him.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

Any chance the position he has his eyes on is still in the NHL, but would perhaps require a move to NY to fulfill that role?

JJ,

Didn't read this entire thread but what are you hearing? Something has got to give soon.

It is an unacceptable on so many levels that this team has an 8 game losing streak. I feel that if Q was going to be fired it would've been yesterday so I think he'll remain the HC the rest of the year but if that's the case then it's on SB and hockey ops to start making some moves. I'm tired of hearing that nobody wants to trade, there are people who make things happen and then there's everybody else. If Bowman wants to not only keep his job but regain some of the trust in the fanbase, he better start making things happen asap.
- dan9189

Blog coming later

JJ,

Any chance the position he has his eyes on is still in the NHL, but would perhaps require a move to NY to fulfill that role?
- RetiredGoalie

Another sport is what I'm hearing

I have heard McDonough already has eyes on his next position anyway. Believe me, this is getting really "not fun" for him.
- John Jaeckel

Jeezus I'm behind on my reading but I thought the Bears had already signed a new General Manager.

Oh look, it is the Hawks PR guy Andru with his spin once again...

Give it a rest already.
- Dannyboy

Nice to see JJ is holding everyone up to the same standards...........

What exactly did I say that was SO terrible that you would see it as a "spin"?

Oh really? How would he have stopped our spiral? From the press box? Have you forgotten that in addition to getting injured he was suspended 10 games? Yeah he would have been a great help in this stretch. Furthermore, he was 1 more idiotic play (I'd give him about 15 games) until he was gone for the season anyways. He was not the solution.
- anawrocki

Record with Carcillo healthy- 24-10-4
Since Jan 3rd after Carcillo Injury- 5-10-3

Youre right he is not the solution. But suspension BS aside he played his role and was an asset. An asset that gave our captain space to operate. If carcillo is playing on this road trip, Jonathan Toews would not be abused like he has been. Especially the last two games. Thats all im saying.

Blog coming later
- John Jaeckel

Sounds good, looking forward to it.

As much as I agree with you on your thoughts on him, and as much of a "tool" as I believe he is, he does bring up a point that I can agree with.



For any of the bad trades Bowman has made, or has had to make, and he's made some good ones too. I know his free agent signings over the summer have been hit or miss, but he still did have a pretty good draft overall.

I'm not saying that he's not part of the problem, but I'm not going to go out on a limb and say he's part of the solution either.

I just think you have to get Q out of Chicago first before anyone can get a decent read on what players are problems and if Bowman is really as bad as everyone thinks he is.

If you take Q out of the equation, that's one less excuse Bowman can hide behind.
- EKolb13

Bringing up points that you disagree with, or being simply more patient than you, does not make someone a tool. It simply makes them, not you.

I considered that. But he should have considered how it would have been taken. I don't know exactly what he meant.

But either way, you and I both know where the truth lies, don't we?

Are you saying they aren't intimidated? I am saying they are. Nothing against them. They are in a tough position.

I have yet to see a "beat" writer here get really critical. Please. Maybe Rogers. I think Tim used to be moreso, actually.

Sure, I certainly get the distinction between day to day beat guys and columnists—it's as old as dirt. However, read Portzline some time or really any of the regular beat people in other cities. They are much more vocal and direct with criticism.
- John Jaeckel

A lot easier to be negative/critical in Columbus but in any respect check ur PM.

Record with Carcillo healthy- 24-10-4
Since Jan 3rd after Carcillo Injury- 5-10-3

Youre right he is not the solution. But suspension BS aside he played his role and was an asset. An asset that gave our captain space to operate. If carcillo is playing on this road trip, Jonathan Toews would not be abused like he has been. Especially the last two games. Thats all im saying.
- nickmo2699

I liked what Carcillo brought to the team. Hoping his knee heals and the Hawks give him another chance next year. Nothing wrong with playing with an edge, he's just got to cut out the careless play.

They need at least one of each of the following:

- a forward who is physical and tough to play against, preferably who can kill penalties and take draws
- a physical, stay at home d-man who can block shots and kill penalties.

2 or each, or one of one and two of the other would be preferable. But they need it right now. If they wait til the deadline, they will be out of it.
- John Jaeckel

>JJ -- you are absolutely right -- if they wait they are out of it.
>If they wait, they should not be inactive, but become sellers

Jeezus I'm behind on my reading but I thought the Bears had already signed a new General Manager.
- RickJ

LOL! You read my mind Rick. I was thinking the exact same thing. He'd fit right in with the McCaskey's and Phillips and the rest of the idiots running things over there.

I liked what Carcillo brought to the team. Hoping his knee heals and the Hawks give him another chance next year. Nothing wrong with playing with an edge, he's just got to cut out the careless play.
- dan9189

I have read a lot of posts about how there is no fear factor when playing the Hawks. When Carbomb was playing, the stars were not mauled like they are now. Carcillo has some decent skill and brings that air of uncertainty to the other team. I say resign him. You need the other team scared 5hitless sometimes to protect your stars. My resigns of the offseason are Carcillo and Mayers. OD is done, Lepisto is OK, but not the kind of Dman we need, Scott is an embarrassment, Brunette is done, same with Morrisson (though he is also a victim of the q-elevator).

Unless you know beyond any doubt that Bowman just takes direction from above/elsewhere, virtually all of this is on him. The players on the ice are the General Manager's team. That's it period. That's what he gets paid for.

And tell me what acquisitions he has made have been hits as you call them. Montador? Frolik? Emery? Brunette? Morrisson? O'Donnell? The closest thing he has to a "hit" is Stalberg, maybe Shaw.

Stan Bowman has presided over a remake of a team that has gotten older, slower, softer and bogged down with large number of big money, long term contracts.

He is just not qualified for the position he holds. The only worse G.M. in the league is the idiot who presides over the Montreal Canadiens. And to even mention Stanbow in the same paragraph as Ken Holland is ridiculous.
- RickJ

Again, I'm trying to stick to the subject and because my opinions are different, they're called ridiculous, by someone who evidently didn't read my whole post.

What I said is that IF the rumors of the SB taking orders were true...IF.

As for what moves are hits: Jamal Mayers, Viktor Stalberg, Re-signing Brent Seabrook, Ray Emery as a backup for that price, Andrew Shaw, drafting Brandon Saad, Barker-for-Leddy, the trade, not the re-signing, of Frolik for Skille because it's better to take a chance on a 23-year-old who has scored 20 goals than one who hasn't...I believe all these were successful moves.

It's interesting that you just blew off my statement about Holland needing 4 years, then 6 to build Cup Winners when that is a fact.

Just thinking - isn't now the perfect time to bring up Beach? He has no history with the league office, he can just go crazy (won't get suspended per league's repeat offender policy) and he can be the physical presence they need. If he does nothing to secure a win, what is lost?

Again, I'm trying to stick to the subject and because my opinions are different, they're called ridiculous, by someone who evidently didn't read my whole post.

What I said is that IF the rumors of the SB taking orders were true...IF.

As for what moves are hits: Jamal Mayers, Viktor Stalberg, Re-signing Brent Seabrook, Ray Emery as a backup for that price, Andrew Shaw, drafting Brandon Saad, Barker-for-Leddy, the trade, not the re-signing, of Frolik for Skille because it's better to take a chance on a 23-year-old who has scored 20 goals than one who hasn't...I believe all these were successful moves.

It's interesting that you just blew off my statement about Holland needing 4 years, then 6 to build Cup Winners when that is a fact.
- andru2797

You're the most sensitive on the message board!!!!! Congrats you win a box of kleenex and a bottle of wine.

You're the most sensitive on the message board!!!!! Congrats you win a box of kleenex and a bottle of wine.
- nickmo2699

Right...I'm the most sensitive......