John Jaeckel: Bad news mounts

Good column, JJ. I really like that Kane + Kruger suggestion.

When a captain like Toews is not playing, does he still provide a locker room presence? (I never got that far in competitive sports, so I have no knowledge of how a situation like this plays out)

Good column, JJ. I really like that Kane + Kruger suggestion.

When a captain like Toews is not playing, does he still provide a locker room presence? (I never got that far in competitive sports, so I have no knowledge of how a situation like this plays out)
- 35Tony0

I think somewhat, but it has to be hugely disrupted/nullified by his not being on the ice.

Is Toews on LTIR yet? If not... could this become like a prior season when you guys had a huge chunk of LTIR to play with, get a big rental and then he returns for the postseason?

I am not familiar with the time line of when he is expected to return, it didn't seem like it should have been that lengthy.

Other silver linings:

* Anisimov - last 7 days 41 FO wins... good for 11th in the league (now up to 44%). Seemed like he's ramped up his work at the dot with JT out.

* Getting creative/serious at Centre - Schmaltz will benefit from a RFD stint and needed to be sent down. Also, IMO I thought the Hawks should be out looking for a solid defensive vet, who can win draws to take the pressure of Kruger in the d-zone... did they have one all along? Desi was 7-0 last night playing centre.

* Kane/Kruger idea - I think it's a good one, when #16 got paid, I thought for that amount, he needs to be able to step up when needed to fill the void at C. If Desi or Moose can hold down the "shutdown line", that would free up Krugs to work with Kane.

Duncs!! Please start getting your shots on net!!! Please!!
There's a reason you have no goals and it's December...

and be ready to shoot. that pump fake only lets the D setup and goalie to get into position. the forwards should be racing toward the net when he shoots but since they usually are coming thru at about 6 feet and 3 feet right or left of the goal they are not so they can try and chase down the carom of the boards. BTW did anybody here the Keith was having a Norris type season from Eddie O. not sure what game he has been watching this season.

I would add:
- settle on some D-pairings for a while.
- stop using that drop-pass entry all the time.
- actually take shots when they are available.

Edit: and someone please drive the net. I think Panik and Hartman are the only ones who have actually taken a direct route in the past two games.

Maybe this is the time they're able to drag Doan out of AZ as a rental to fill in for Toews.

I know he doesn't want to leave, but now seems as good a time as any to get him. I know when they got Vermette, Toews was actually reaching out to Doan to try and persuade him to Chicago.

We'll see...

I would add:
- settle on some D-pairings for a while.
- stop using that drop-pass entry all the time.
- actually take shots when they are available.

Edit: and someone please drive the net. I think Panik and Hartman are the only ones who have actually taken a direct route in the past two games.
- Chunk

Is it me or are the Hawks break outs been terrible. So many times the Hawks D has to turn back with the puck and restart in the zone. Which leads to issues occasionally. Is that on the forwards or D? Or both? Why aren't our D starting the rush and carrying the puck in themselves. We have puck movers.

I think the last two games are more a product of the team with excellent instead of superhuman goaltending.

They were bound to hit a bump at some point.

As constructed, they just need to be healthy and hope the kiddos figure it out.

Second year into a 8 year 84 million dollar contract is no bueno for a back problem. And it doesn't look like Keith has adjusted to his knee yet I don't care how many assists he has. I think the staff needs to do a bit better job managing his minutes.

Other things to keep an eye on. Of the top 50 overall TOI leaders in the league, Patrick Kane is the only forward. And if you go to 75 its only Kopitar and O'Reilly in that mix.

But I don't think its that dire. Not much different from last year. Aside from Kane being at a PPG rather than over one. I'd expect this team to be streaky, unless a meaningful acquisition is made.

Maybe this is the time they're able to drag Doan out of AZ as a rental to fill in for Toews.

I know he doesn't want to leave, but now seems as good a time as any to get him. I know when they got Vermette, Toews was actually reaching out to Doan to try and persuade him to Chicago.

We'll see...
- Hank3Henshaw

Did you forget the red font on this?

I would be shocked if Shane Doan represented any value to any NHL team at this point, especially with the $3.8M contract that he is carrying. The Hawks could probably use him somewhere as a veteran presence with some size but they wouldn't give anything up to acquire him.

Is Toews on LTIR yet? If not... could this become like a prior season when you guys had a huge chunk of LTIR to play with, get a big rental and then he returns for the postseason?

I am not familiar with the time line of when he is expected to return, it didn't seem like it should have been that lengthy.
- Guile

We would have more space at the trade deadline if Toews was out that long (god forbid) than we did with kane.

If Toews is out until the end of the season, we are in deep poop in general so I don't think thats a sceanrio I'm dreaming of.

Mind you kane was injured at the end of february, 2 whole months later than where we currently are.

Also, he isn't on LTIR yet as far as I know.

Other silver linings:

* Anisimov - last 7 days 41 FO wins... good for 11th in the league (now up to 44%). Seemed like he's ramped up his work at the dot with JT out.

* Getting creative/serious at Centre - Schmaltz will benefit from a RFD stint and needed to be sent down. Also, IMO I thought the Hawks should be out looking for a solid defensive vet, who can win draws to take the pressure of Kruger in the d-zone... did they have one all along? Desi was 7-0 last night playing centre.

* Kane/Kruger idea - I think it's a good one, when #16 got paid, I thought for that amount, he needs to be able to step up when needed to fill the void at C. If Desi or Moose can hold down the "shutdown line", that would free up Krugs to work with Kane.
- TyCamScore

Nice observation about AA at the dot. Didn't realize the improvement of late.

A lot of top 6 guys have gone down around the league this year and nobody replaces them, obviously. Seems the best thing to do is tread water, maybe adjust schemes and don't take away from something that is working and as a result weaken two spots/lines.

The HHH line from my eye spends a lot of time in the Ozone. The Kruger line has been dangerous and responsible. Thought Desi was more physical than ever last night and Tootoo was effective. I'd leave this alone and play .500 hockey at worst. The points banked keep them up in the standings, the kids get meaningful minutes to build on while Toews and Crow get healthy.

Big difference from Darling having a game under his belt. Looks like a different goalie when he gets enough time to find some rythem.

Did you forget the red font on this?

I would be shocked if Shane Doan represented any value to any NHL team at this point, especially with the $3.8M contract that he is carrying. The Hawks could probably use him somewhere as a veteran presence with some size but they wouldn't give anything up to acquire him.
- RickJ

Doan had better stats (just barely) than ladd did last year. While I don't think its a good idea I also don't think its a complete crap one either.

Why did Q not challenge the 2nd goal?? Dano was clearly offside.....absolutely awful effort and execution over the weekend from both the players AND the coaching staff. Penalty Kill continues to allow 1 GA/game and the PP has allowed more scoring chances against than for, lately. Combine the lack of coaching adjustment on the PP/PK, forward line combos AND not challenging the goal in the 3rd...unacceptable weekend from the Head coach to the 12th forward this weekend. Put it in the rearview mirror and focus on a big 2 points next game.

Is it me or are the Hawks break outs been terrible. So many times the Hawks D has to turn back with the puck and restart in the zone. Which leads to issues occasionally. Is that on the forwards or D? Or both? Why aren't our D starting the rush and carrying the puck in themselves. We have puck movers.
- bhawks2241

9 times out of 10 if a Dman has a sliver of time and doesn't move the puck, or moves it poorly, it means he didn't have a target/option available. It's up to the forwards to make themselves an option, and that means moving your feet, find seams and make the opponent move to defend.

Issue #1 that is causing the team to struggle...the Power play coming up with pretty much nothing. Since Nov 1st, the Hawks are 30th on the PP and under 10%. That has meant 5 PPG in 51 attempts.

As JJ mentioned, the team is a bit of a one line show offensively and that is where the Hawks lean on the PP to fill in the gaps. I am sure they are missing Shaw right now and his ability to get in front of the net and cause some problems for the opposing PK. Remember him battling with Dmen, tipping pucks in and using his small frame to cast a big screen on the goalie.

The Hawks didn't threaten the net very well against the Jets. The Jets had a number of chances from good scoring areas in close and the Hawks...not so much.

It will be interesting to see what change, but for me right now, the Hawks aren't playing with urgency in their game. They don't look hungry to win and they don't look like a pissed off team when they are down and off to a poor start. I think they could use a spark plug of energy and something to light a bit more fire under their them. I think they need someone to step up and really give a damn out there.

The Hawks have been getting outshot and outplayed too often, but I think most of that is between the ears. By that, I mean they aren't as weak as they look at times and they are able to crank it up and play better. They just need something to get them going early and playing more consistent hockey.

I have to give some kudos to Panik. While the guy doesn't have the skill of a top player, he has been working his butt off trying at least.

I think the last two games are more a product of the team with excellent instead of superhuman goaltending.

They were bound to hit a bump at some point.

As constructed, they just need to be healthy and hope the kiddos figure it out.

Second year into a 8 year 84 million dollar contract is no bueno for a back problem. And it doesn't look like Keith has adjusted to his knee yet I don't care how many assists he has. I think the staff needs to do a bit better job managing his minutes.

Other things to keep an eye on. Of the top 50 overall TOI leaders in the league, Patrick Kane is the only forward. And if you go to 75 its only Kopitar and O'Reilly in that mix.

But I don't think its that dire. Not much different from last year. Aside from Kane being at a PPG rather than over one. I'd expect this team to be streaky, unless a meaningful acquisition is made.
- fattybeef

Yep, and maybe add a piece at the TDL. I think we as fans can take solace in that this was the plan going in and they all knew it all the way down to Q. Having said that and with all on board keep the core healthy, manage the rookies so they improve as months go by, find combos that fit, realize the season won't be linear, lean on defense and goaltending and don't deviate.

The fast start, early schedule (practice time) and points earned are nothing less than a Godsend. The anxiety level was kept in check as the plan and process is allowed to play out.

We would have more space at the trade deadline if Toews was out that long (god forbid) than we did with kane.

If Toews is out until the end of the season, we are in deep poop in general so I don't think thats a sceanrio I'm dreaming of.

Mind you kane was injured at the end of february, 2 whole months later than where we currently are.

Also, he isn't on LTIR yet as far as I know.
- the_dough_boy

Despite my dislike of your team due to your recent Cups... I was of the mindset you could still squeak into the playoffs with Toews being out that long.

Other silver linings:

* Anisimov - last 7 days 41 FO wins... good for 11th in the league (now up to 44%). Seemed like he's ramped up his work at the dot with JT out.

* Getting creative/serious at Centre - Schmaltz will benefit from a RFD stint and needed to be sent down. Also, IMO I thought the Hawks should be out looking for a solid defensive vet, who can win draws to take the pressure of Kruger in the d-zone... did they have one all along? Desi was 7-0 last night playing centre.

* Kane/Kruger idea - I think it's a good one, when #16 got paid, I thought for that amount, he needs to be able to step up when needed to fill the void at C. If Desi or Moose can hold down the "shutdown line", that would free up Krugs to work with Kane.
- TyCamScore

Hi Ty...great post and I agree on all fronts.

I know Anisimov's name has come up as a possible salary cap sacrifice, but just image where we'd be without him. I'm very happy to have #15 on the team, especially for only $4.55 million.

It's always a difficult decision to break up the PAK line, but it Toews is going to be out for much longer maybe that's the way to go. If Kruger plays with Kane, who do you think plays on the left side?

I like the idea of having Desjardins and Rasmussen on the 4th line.

Why did Q not challenge the 2nd goal?? Dano was clearly offside.....absolutely awful effort and execution over the weekend from both the players AND the coaching staff. Penalty Kill continues to allow 1 GA/game and the PP has allowed more scoring chances against than for, lately. Combine the lack of coaching adjustment on the PP/PK, forward line combos AND not challenging the goal in the 3rd...unacceptable weekend from the Head coach to the 12th forward this weekend. Put it in the rearview mirror and focus on a big 2 points next game.
- EnzoD

Dano was offside when he got the puck, but then exited the zone. I think the challenge would only apply to the re-entry, which was onside.

Doan had better stats (just barely) than ladd did last year. While I don't think its a good idea I also don't think its a complete crap one either.
- the_dough_boy

Doan is 40 and the tank is nearly empty. I think his value to an NHL team at this point will depend on his play away from the puck. He isn't gonna score a ton but if he can still contribute in other ways, play a sound game they he is useful. Otherwise, he should just retire a Yote call it a good career.

I know, I know this team is in first, they've hit a bump in the road, I hate saying this but to my eye this team is a year away, rookies need experience and a weight room in the off season, they magically aren't going to get stronger on the puck during the the season. I enjoy how they fly around the ice but unfortunately they can't sustain any net front presence or win a board battle. The only way they'll be able to advance is Corey is going to have to play out of his mind. Defense is going to have to be responsible with the puck in their own end and limit opponent to half the ice. They won't be able to take any penalties and the forwards are going to have to be patient and wait for the opponent to make a mistake so we can score in transition. I can't remember the last time we scored a goal with 6 players from the competing team in their own zone. Actually I can last one I remember is when we pulled our own goalie.

Dano was offside when he got the puck, but then exited the zone. I think the challenge would only apply to the re-entry, which was onside.
- tvetter

Disagree. His stick and skates were still in the o-zone when he received the pass. Offsides that should've been challenged. Not to mention, even if it isn't overturned, what do you have to lose challenging the call? Q, Dineen and Co need to go back to the drawing board on both the PP, PK and line combos with Toews out.