I think you keep the more physical defenseman. I know Hammer was soft, but you still have to hope that he can pick up the physicality. The defense is just too soft and needs to get bigger. Oduya looked great at first, but not well suited for playoff hockey.
- coldsteelonice

We saw some glimpses of what Hjalmarsson is capable of during the Phoenix series. A couple of big, bone-crushing hits. He's 6'3" and over 200 lbs. His frame could easily take another 10-15 lbs.

So . . . this brings me back to Mr. Hard-Headed, Stubborn-as-a-mule Q. If, as everyone says, the coaching philosophy/strategy is the "active stick" and don't get yourself taken out of the play throwing a hit . . . once again, Q, your time is up. See ya.

While there's nothing wrong with stick-checking AS PART OF AN OVERALL STRATEGY THAT INCLUDES SOLID BODY CHECKING, a D philosophy that preaches stick-checking at all costs is on Q and his staff.

I believe that Hjalmarsson, Seabrook, and yes even Nick Leddy are very capable of playing physical. Leddy is NOT a smurf (as you guys like to call him), going around 6' and 190 lbs. Again, he's a young guy, while he might not get taller, he sure could easily add 10 lbs during a good off-season regimen. I've played against plenty of 6' or just under, guys that are built like brick sh!thouses and could rattle your teeth.

It's got to be a coaching philosophy/strategy we're dealing with here. All that fancy play is great, makes great highlight reel stuff, but Q refuses to play a down and dirty kind of game when needed.

If they even make game #83...

BTW, didn't get a chance to write this previously: OUTSTANDING JOB thoughout the season. Definately will keep track of the rumblings here during the summer.

Speaking of what happened to the warm weather here in ChiTown anyway. I'm in PHX in mid-March, it's 80 here and a hail storm & 55 there.
- blackhawk24

Thx

We saw some glimpses of what Hjalmarsson is capable of during the Phoenix series. A couple of big, bone-crushing hits. He's 6'3" and over 200 lbs. His frame could easily take another 10-15 lbs.

So . . . this brings me back to Mr. Hard-Headed, Stubborn-as-a-mule Q. If, as everyone says, the coaching philosophy/strategy is the "active stick" and don't get yourself taken out of the play throwing a hit . . . once again, Q, your time is up. See ya.

While there's nothing wrong with stick-checking AS PART OF AN OVERALL STRATEGY THAT INCLUDES SOLID BODY CHECKING, a D philosophy that preaches stick-checking at all costs is on Q and his staff.

I believe that Hjalmarsson, Seabrook, and yes even Nick Leddy are very capable of playing physical. Leddy is NOT a smurf (as you guys like to call him), going around 6' and 190 lbs. Again, he's a young guy, while he might not get taller, he sure could easily add 10 lbs during a good off-season regimen. I've played against plenty of 6' or just under, guys that are built like brick sh!thouses and could rattle your teeth.

It's got to be a coaching philosophy/strategy we're dealing with here. All that fancy play is great, makes great highlight reel stuff, but Q refuses to play a down and dirty kind of game when needed.
- savvyone-1

Has this ever really been said publicly? Q was a tough as nails defensemen when he played. In St Louis his teams were physical, and his teams were relatively physical here until last year and this year. It seems to go against what he was a player and what hes been as a coach. So I'm just curious if ANYONE from the organization has ever really come out and said that "stick checking" is their defensive philosophy, or you just saying this?

Just curious, but how does any organization plan to approach this offseason. The Free Agent signing period usually starts 7/1, but with the uncertainty of the CBA, which doesn't expire until 9/15, how do you plan your acquisitions/dispositions without a firm cap number.
- ksilvy58

There are two issues at play here.

1) What's the salary cap going to be? There's a quick calculation that gets made on what the preliminary salary cap is expected to be. But, the final cap isn't required to be made until 9/1. So, with respect to early free agency, this is not really any different than any other year.

2) The CBA will get auto renewed unless the players or owners declare 120 days before 9/15. So we'll know if the season is in peril in May.

My guess based on nothing but hope is that the current CBA gets auto-renewed while they negotiate for the year. Unless there's been a lot of solid talk now and somehow they can hash out a new CBA between May and Sept...

JJ or Al ? Anyone know why Q was so stubbornly wedded to playing Bruno virtually EVERY NIGHT when it was obvious he a) wasn't producing and b) wasn't healthy.

WHAT THE PHUCK WAZZUP with that ?
- philco28

Look who's out of the penalty box!

Glad to have you back.

John Jaeckel: Organizational Grades 1.0: Forwards
- John Jaeckel

Wow. Didn't realize the Hawks have such a high concentration of cap $$ going to forwards. Did Chicago management wait too long to lock some of these players up at better prices?

Has this ever really been said publicly? Q was a tough as nails defensemen when he played. In St Louis his teams were physical, and his teams were relatively physical here until last year and this year. It seems to go against what he was a player and what hes been as a coach. So I'm just curious if ANYONE from the organization has ever really come out and said that "stick checking" is their defensive philosophy, or you just saying this?
- mvp0207

Got to assume this is the case. When the public mouthpiece (Eddie O) recites the "active stick mantra" and teaches all those young hockey players at home, this to me smacks of a philosophy that is articulated and repeated through the media so we, the fans, know what they're doing.

I can recall Eddie commenting about using the "active stick" and not getting out of position to make a hit. Just seems way too much of coincidence to not be the case. How else does one explain Hjalmarsson's legendary hits in the minors coming here and making few? We KNOW he can do it -- he proved that again in this just ended series with a couple of beauts.

It MUST be the coaching philosophy. You know, we have greyhounds/thorobreds here, they need to run free, run fast. Hitting slows them/game down. Doesn't fit with the puck control, puck movement philosophy.

Beach and Morin are still there, as is Pirri. I think Morin is the one they are high on. Pirri, I believe, will be moved at some point. And I know they have actively tried to find a taker for Beach (that should tell you something).

I think the only Rockford guys with serious NHL potential next year are Morin and maybe Hutton as an emergency fill-in. If Saad makes the team just by showing up next fell—meaning he doesn't really light it up—nothing against him, it means the Hawks will have done nothing to improve the roster. Rookies, unless they really force their way onto the roster, are not what this team needs more of, any more of really. A great rookie goalie signed as a FA? Sure. But skaters? This team needs at least a couple of legitimate veterans, between the ages of 23 and 35, IMO.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

Beach seemed to show maturity (again) when he came back from injury, and overall seemed to play well. Do you think Bowman possibly might hold onto him going into next season (at least until the trade deadline) to see if that level of maturity sticks and he preforms consistantly, or is Bowman still looking to move him?

There are two issues at play here.

1) What's the salary cap going to be? There's a quick calculation that gets made on what the preliminary salary cap is expected to be. But, the final cap isn't required to be made until 9/1. So, with respect to early free agency, this is not really any different than any other year.

2) The CBA will get auto renewed unless the players or owners declare 120 days before 9/15. So we'll know if the season is in peril in May.

My guess based on nothing but hope is that the current CBA gets auto-renewed while they negotiate for the year. Unless there's been a lot of solid talk now and somehow they can hash out a new CBA between May and Sept...
- shruew

Interesting thought and analysis and goes completely against what the Hawk organ-I-zation was spewing at the trade deadline. They did not want any contracts that lasted past this year due to the "uncertainty". Why would they then sign anybody starting July 1st?

Got to assume this is the case. When the public mouthpiece (Eddie O) recites the "active stick mantra" and teaches all those young hockey players at home, this to me smacks of a philosophy that is articulated and repeated through the media so we, the fans, know what they're doing.

I can recall Eddie commenting about using the "active stick" and not getting out of position to make a hit. Just seems way too much of coincidence to not be the case. How else does one explain Hjalmarsson's legendary hits in the minors coming here and making few? We KNOW he can do it -- he proved that again in this just ended series with a couple of beauts.

It MUST be the coaching philosophy. You know, we have greyhounds/thorobreds here, they need to run free, run fast. Hitting slows them/game down. Doesn't fit with the puck control, puck movement philosophy.
- savvyone-1

Disagree.

Detroit is as good or better at puck possession and their defensemen are much bigger than ours across the board.

Skill does not have to be sacrificed for size. That is a copout. You just have to work harder and spend a little more to find and/or develop those players. And it's also why Detroit and the Hawks need to be a little more patient with guys like Ericsson and Hjaalmarsson.

JJ,

Beach seemed to show maturity (again) when he came back from injury, and overall seemed to play well. Do you think Bowman possibly might hold onto him going into next season (at least until the trade deadline) to see if that level of maturity sticks and he preforms consistantly, or is Bowman still looking to move him?
- EKolb13

I heard they were desperately trying to move him at the deadline.

Interesting thought and analysis and goes completely against what the Hawk organ-I-zation was spewing at the trade deadline. They did not want any contracts that lasted past this year due to the "uncertainty". Why would they then sign anybody starting July 1st?
- ksilvy58

How does it go against the thought of uncertainty? It's still anyone's guess what the next CBA might end up being.

Interesting thought and analysis and goes completely against what the Hawk organ-I-zation was spewing at the trade deadline. They did not want any contracts that lasted past this year due to the "uncertainty". Why would they then sign anybody starting July 1st?
- ksilvy58

How does it go against the uncertainty the Hawks proclaims?

There's still plenty of uncertainty. Probably even more at the last trade deadline.

Just that some uncertainty will clear up in the next month or so. Namely, will the current rules last one more year or not.

If they do - probably expect another off season like last with as many 1 year deals as they can manage unless some star really falls on their laps.

If it's not renewed, who knows if there's even going to be a season....

As stated previously, repeating the same action over and over and expecting a different result is insanity.

If the Hawks go into the playoffs next year with three defensemen in their top 4 under 200 pounds a piece and Corey Crawford in net, they will be beaten like a rented mule and out in the first round . . . again.
- John Jaeckel

Are they going to call interference as interference though or continue to allow the clutching.

Perfect D if they are playing within the rules... Not so much if they can cheat...

I heard they were desperately trying to move him at the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

Too bad Stan couldn't have traded Beach for Cody Hodgson

I heard they were desperately trying to move him at the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

I think I remember you writing something about that. I was looking for your opinion, or even if you heard if Bowman was still looking to move Beach?

I know you guys think the PP is on the coaching staff, as it should be. Shouldn't some of the blame be on the players? How many different people helped to try and turn it around? My bet is the coaching staff used everyone, Haviland, Kitchen, Q, Bowman, and Smith. With all those minds nothing helped!! So it should be on the players just as much. I personally think they needed something that Bowman didn't provide on this team, players with size and talent. He went out this year and found some size, but no talent in that size. Brower, Ladd, Buff were all big and talented!

Too bad Stan couldn't have traded Beach for Cody Hodgson
- DarthKane

That would have been a steal right there!

Disagree.

Detroit is as good or better at puck possession and their defensemen are much bigger than ours across the board.

Skill does not have to be sacrificed for size. That is a copout. You just have to work harder and spend a little more to find and/or develop those players. And it's also why Detroit and the Hawks need to be a little more patient with guys like Ericsson and Hjaalmarsson.
- John Jaeckel

+1

Seabs proves your point JJ. Size and talent! That was the biggest problem on this team. They added size, but those players with the size lacked in talent.

I know you guys think the PP is on the coaching staff, as it should be. Shouldn't some of the blame be on the players? How many different people helped to try and turn it around? My bet is the coaching staff used everyone, Haviland, Kitchen, Q, Bowman, and Smith. With all those minds nothing helped!! So it should be on the players just as much. I personally think they needed something that Bowman didn't provide on this team, players with size and talent. He went out this year and found some size, but no talent in that size. Brower, Ladd, Buff were all big and talented!
- droe411

This is my $.02. Take it for what it's worth. It may not be worth all that much.

I think it falls both on the coaching staff and the players. However, if it's going to fall on the players, I would think that spells some sort of rift beween the players and either Kitchen, Q, or both. Maybe even Haviland too?

As for Smith, I really can't blame the guy. He's brought in to teach, but beyond practice he doesn't really have any control. Smith isn't behind the bench barking orders throughout the game to change things up when needed. Who knows, maybe what Smith was telling Kitchen went in one ear and straight out the other, and Kitchen really didn't implement anything Smith was preaching?

At this point, I can't really veiw putting any blame on Smith.

This is my $.02. Take it for what it's worth. It may not be worth all that much.

I think it falls both on the coaching staff and the players. However, if it's going to fall on the players, I would think that spells some sort of rift beween the players and either Kitchen, Q, or both. Maybe even Haviland too?

As for Smith, I really can't blame the guy. He's brought in to teach, but beyond practice he doesn't really have any control. Smith isn't behind the bench barking orders throughout the gameto change things up. Who knows, maybe what Smith was telling Kitchen went in one ear and straight out the other, and Kitchen really didn't implement anything Smith was preaching?

At this point, I can't really veiw putting any blame on Smith.
- EKolb13

I don't blame one group individually. Coaching, management, and players should be blamed. Not the right players, not the right system, and not the right effort. They all sucked this year on special teams!! The biggest thing I saw was Q intimate that he needs to take some stars off the PK. He needs guys who will block shots, wasn't provided that.

Your comment about a physical team being bounced is accurate in Bruins. But you may want to take a look at the team that knocked them out a bit closer. Caps are loaded with size including their star... And size that plays physical. Point being... Good luck in the playoffs without it. Brouwer is good enough to play with Ovechkin and Backstrom? But not with Kane and Toews I guess... Concerns me that maybe Bowman doesn't think it's an important need.
- ilinkhawk

BINGO! That's it in a nutshell. NO size up front in the top 6. NO size on the blue besides Seabs. And many knew that another 190 lb. defenseman was coming at the deadline---almost a joke. No knock on Oduya, but this team will be in desperate need of size and grit (yet again) this year.

Can we trade Bolland to get some size? Frolik? Hjalmarsson? Not a ton of forwards out there in FA. Some nastiness on the blueline can be had via FA, but if they don't fit the Hawks' "system" will they even get a chance to play (Sarich, Allen, Salvador)?

Disagree.

Detroit is as good or better at puck possession and their defensemen are much bigger than ours across the board.

Skill does not have to be sacrificed for size. That is a copout. You just have to work harder and spend a little more to find and/or develop those players. And it's also why Detroit and the Hawks need to be a little more patient with guys like Ericsson and Hjaalmarsson.
- John Jaeckel

I think you misunderstood my comments. Has nothing to do w/skill or size (see Shaw, Andrew). It has to do with heart, want and what you are told to do. If the philosophy is we've got smaller guys that skate really really well, we don't want them bodying up the opposition because it doesn't fit with what we're trying to do, then you see that on the ice.

That's what I'm saying.

I don't blame one group individually. Coaching, management, and players should be blamed. Not the right players, not the right system, and not the right effort. They all sucked this year on special teams!! The biggest thing I saw was Q intimate that he needs to take some stars off the PK. He needs guys who will block shots, wasn't provided that.
- droe411

I can agree with this. Every one group is involved in some way. I think the question is, what do you change to improve it?

I have my doubts Wirtz is going to just jettison the current Bowman regime. Not now at least. I believe that could change if the same end result shakes out in April of next year.

Bowman can trade or sign players to help in this area, or change some or all of the coaching staff. As everyone knows, moving and signing players is a harder task then changing part or all of the coaching staff. I'm not saying trades or signings are difficult at all, but changes to the coaching staff is that much easier.

I think if the Hawks are really going to make a step in the right direction, Kitchen needs to be replaced. Really, he should have been replaced during the 9 game losing streak and Smith should have been inserted. If that would have happened, maybe Bowman would have an even better idea of the players he needs to bring in?

Got to assume this is the case. When the public mouthpiece (Eddie O) recites the "active stick mantra" and teaches all those young hockey players at home, this to me smacks of a philosophy that is articulated and repeated through the media so we, the fans, know what they're doing.

I can recall Eddie commenting about using the "active stick" and not getting out of position to make a hit. Just seems way too much of coincidence to not be the case. How else does one explain Hjalmarsson's legendary hits in the minors coming here and making few? We KNOW he can do it -- he proved that again in this just ended series with a couple of beauts.

It MUST be the coaching philosophy. You know, we have greyhounds/thorobreds here, they need to run free, run fast. Hitting slows them/game down. Doesn't fit with the puck control, puck movement philosophy.
- savvyone-1

Im not buying it. Hjarmlarson did throw hits in the minors but I dont know if they were legendary and hes laid off since his suspension in the NHL. If it is a philosophy I dont think its Q's. Eddie is simply teaching kids to get their sticks in shooting lanes and get sticks in the right spots prior to a shot in order to deflect it wide or high. Not necessarily stick checking as opposed to playing the body.

Once again Q was a rough and tough defender his St.Luois teams were rough and tumble and here prior to last year and this year his team were tough. I think the players may have played a role.

Seabrook is close to the league lead in hits by a defense-men every year. Keith Leddy Oduya Hjarlmarson sorry these guys just dont hit.