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Forums :: Blog World :: John Jaeckel: Why The Hawks Will Contend. Why They Won’t.
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EKB13
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.18.2009

Jan 7 @ 4:04 PM ET
the game isnt played on paper, crawford has already shown he isnt a #1.
- wingz4life


Colaiacovo isn't Lidstrom. He doesn't even come close. What does Detroit have for defensemen besides Kronwall?

On paper or not, it's thin. Stanley Cups are not won with a thin defense.

SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 4:13 PM ET
Count me as one as "I'll believe it when I see it" in regards to this team being anything other then a 6-8 seed.

I'm not sold on Kruger. You have 4 LEGIT Top 6 forwards in Kane, Hossa, Toews, Sharp. After that your depth is sporadic. Bolland is probably the most consistent player from there, but again...health concerns plague him. Otherwise can you buy into Kruger, Stalberg, Shaw, Frolik? These are going to be guys counted on to pick up the slack when a condensed schedule tires out your big guns.

Lets not also forget that EVERY d man except Leddy, Brookbank, and Hammer has a NTC. Yes even the coveted Rozsival. So can you afford to move a Hammer for a top 6 forward and then pray that a Roszival or Montador can play top 4 minutes and bail out an Oduya when he takes chances?

This team is very flawed and baring a parade of career years, MINIMAL injuries, a resurgance from #50, and the special teams becoming...special, I don't see the reason to get overly excited.

Figure the NHL is going to push officials to call a very tight game, just as they did the last time the league came back. So special teams are going to be HUGE, because the only way to attract back the casual fan is offensive game. Not 2-1 yawns between STL and LA.

If you sense a dose of high pessimism, you are correct. I am not sold on Bowman. I am not sold on Kitchen. I look at this roster and shake thinking how dead tired 10, 88, 81,19, 2, and 7 will be by game 15 from carrying this team in all facets.

I hope am I wrong, but this could be the bottom out from the cup year that has flared up the past 2 seasons. And if it is, no barrage of gimmicks from the marketing department can offset a thud of a season.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 4:14 PM ET
Colaiacovo isn't Lidstrom. He doesn't even come close. What does Detroit have for defensemen besides Kronwall?

On paper or not, it's thin. Stanley Cups are not won with a thin defense.

- EKolb13


you're right...but what do the Hawks have after Keith and Seabrook? Lets not forget what a turn-style and turnover machine Oduya was against Phoenix. Hammer can play D but offers little offensively. I'll believe Leddy has improved when he's doing it against NHL caliber players and not AHLers.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 4:18 PM ET
Lastly, why didn't the NHL and NHLPA come out in a major PR move to kiss every NHL fan's @ss? Not just the die hards, but the casual fan. You are barely a major sport in the US, and you just had the most insane, idiotic, pathetic labor dispute in the history of major sports. Try explaining what MAJORALLY changed to a casual fan..I did and gave up when I asked "that's it?"

The "Thank you Fans" ice salute won't cut it. The NHL has again burned bridges and frankly could care less. The egos on both sides are at fault, and I'll be surprised if attendance is the same or UP compared to last year not only in Chicago but also across the league.
The Law
Toronto Maple Leafs
Joined: 01.29.2008

Jan 7 @ 4:20 PM ET
Here's the deal with Hossa: he considered retirement after the injury. If he's not 100% after this season or takes another concussion type thing, I will not be surprised if he retires. I don't think he will play more than another 3 years regardless.
- John Jaeckel


So with 6+ years left on his deal that new clause (if true) would put the cap hit on the Hawks for the balance of his contract.

THat's why I say they'd prefer a buy out ....unless of course he'd agree to go LTIR for the rest of his years (ala Savard)
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Jan 7 @ 4:35 PM ET
I am not sold on Kitchen.
- SteveRain


Hey SteveRain, you forgot about the tampon -- I mean -- Kompon. C'mon, with another of Q's bum buddies riding the pine with the wonderkin Kitchen, I'm sure we'll have a stellar D and special teams year.

And just think, Kitchen and Tampon will have an even shorter window to get their guys in line with their "system" -- maybe the 2 of them can make some YouTube vids to share with the boys -- they can watch on their iPads at their leisure on how to wave your stick playing D and how to shoot pucks from the point into shin pads of opposing players (I hear that one features a cameo by none other than the Dunc-man). They were going to do a clown shoes video but at the time they were going to film it, Montador wasn't yet cleared off IR. Of course, it probably wouldn't have mattered, he might have fallen down less skating with the cobwebs in his head.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 4:47 PM ET
Hey SteveRain, you forgot about the tampon -- I mean -- Kompon. C'mon, with another of Q's bum buddies riding the pine with the wonderkin Kitchen, I'm sure we'll have a stellar D and special teams year.

And just think, Kitchen and Tampon will have an even shorter window to get their guys in line with their "system" -- maybe the 2 of them can make some YouTube vids to share with the boys -- they can watch on their iPads at their leisure on how to wave your stick playing D and how to shoot pucks from the point into shin pads of opposing players (I hear that one features a cameo by none other than the Dunc-man). They were going to do a clown shoes video but at the time they were going to film it, Montador wasn't yet cleared off IR. Of course, it probably wouldn't have mattered, he might have fallen down less skating with the cobwebs in his head.

- savvyone-1


I missed you.

I can't wait to see the Duncan Keith happy feet, curl drag into the middle of the ice followed by a shot into the net, off the glass, or into the shin pads of the forward. I also look forward to the wide open tap ins at the far post as he loses his man down low.

This is going to be a fun 50 games. Not to mention whatever mandate Jay Blunk givs Foley and Edzo to get across.

I will say I'll be shocked to see Rockwell Wirtz sitting in his seats this year, or any cameos on the video board.

I hope we get a Sheldon Brookbank one goal commercial..."Who the hell is Sheldon Brookbank? We don't know either, but he's got potential..."
thefullnelson
Edmonton Oilers
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 02.03.2012

Jan 7 @ 5:00 PM ET
I was speccing Luongo trades elsewhere and it got me thinking... assume Luongo's value to a franchise is 9/10... between his contract and the adverse circumstances (contract, trade market, NMC, hatedom, etc) I could see him going for as little as 4/10.
I'd love to see Chicago get Luongo at a bargain. It would reinforce a great Playoff rivalry for the next couple/few years, and IMO the people who've been eagerly holding their collective breath waiting for every chance to scapegoat their starter would get exactly what they deserve...
hawks2010
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Madison, WI
Joined: 07.13.2009

Jan 7 @ 5:02 PM ET
So with 6+ years left on his deal that new clause (if true) would put the cap hit on the Hawks for the balance of his contract.

THat's why I say they'd prefer a buy out ....unless of course he'd agree to go LTIR for the rest of his years (ala Savard)

- The Law

They could still get this year and next year out of Hossa, then buy him out after the 2013-14 season, when he will be 35.
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Jan 7 @ 5:05 PM ET
I missed you.

I can't wait to see the Duncan Keith happy feet, curl drag into the middle of the ice followed by a shot into the net, off the glass, or into the shin pads of the forward. I also look forward to the wide open tap ins at the far post as he loses his man down low.

This is going to be a fun 50 games. Not to mention whatever mandate Jay Blunk givs Foley and Edzo to get across.

I will say I'll be shocked to see Rockwell Wirtz sitting in his seats this year, or any cameos on the video board.

I hope we get a Sheldon Brookbank one goal commercial..."Who the hell is Sheldon Brookbank? We don't know either, but he's got potential..."

- SteveRain


The sentiment is mutual.

You made me laugh out loud as I forgot all the wonderful things #2 has shown us the last 2 years, the best of which is losing the man down low and then that look of "oh crap, the jig's up, got caught again with my pants down." That's the best.

Wonder which goof will be given responsibility for the D in this shortened season?

Also wonder how much we'll see a guy like Leddy regress -- given all that great coaching he's gotten in Rockford -- and with either the stellar Kitchen or Tampon taking the lead. Wonder if it will be a stick wave and then a quick look in the mirror to put on the lipstick?
Kentxo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago
Joined: 09.05.2009

Jan 7 @ 5:06 PM ET
Why not sign Dominic Moore to a small 1-year deal and have him as the 4th line C and PK/face-off guy? If nothing else he provides better depth than Morrison last year.

As for the D, I find it hard to see Hjammer being traded because who replaces him as the #4? Will Leddy and Oduya be the 2nd pair, and if so, will that work? I'm not sold. I think Leddy has better value and could be moved first...maybe for someone like Zach Smith?
hawks2010
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Madison, WI
Joined: 07.13.2009

Jan 7 @ 5:07 PM ET
Heard during an interview with Westgarth on TSN1050 this morning that a small improvement to road arrangements has been made. Players will no longer have roommates on the road; they will have their own rooms. Something tells me this may cause a problem. Patrick Kane.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Jan 7 @ 5:10 PM ET
Why not sign Dominic Moore to a small 1-year deal and have him as the 4th line C and PK/face-off guy? If nothing else he provides better depth than Morrison last year.

As for the D, I find it hard to see Hjammer being traded because who replaces him as the #4? Will Leddy and Oduya be the 2nd pair, and if so, will that work? I'm not sold. I think Leddy has better value and could be moved first...maybe for someone like Zach Smith?

- Kentxo



I would love to trade for Zack Smith, he would make an excellent addition to our bottom 6 forwards.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Jan 7 @ 5:11 PM ET
Heard during an interview with Westgarth on TSN1050 this morning that a small improvement to road arrangements has been made. Players will no longer have roommates on the road; they will have their own rooms. Something tells me this may cause a problem. Patrick Kane.
- hawks2010



I remember Alan Walsh tweeting about this, he was complaining that the NHL is the only pro league where some players have to share a room on the road.

Boo freaking Hoo. Millionaires are complaining about bunking with their buddies during a road trip?? Seriously??
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 5:14 PM ET
The sentiment is mutual.

You made me laugh out loud as I forgot all the wonderful things #2 has shown us the last 2 years, the best of which is losing the man down low and then that look of "oh crap, the jig's up, got caught again with my pants down." That's the best.

Wonder which goof will be given responsibility for the D in this shortened season?

Also wonder how much we'll see a guy like Leddy regress -- given all that great coaching he's gotten in Rockford -- and with either the stellar Kitchen or Tampon taking the lead. Wonder if it will be a stick wave and then a quick look in the mirror to put on the lipstick?

- savvyone-1


The fact that Mike Ktichen is STILL employed gives me cold sweats. How does this happen?

I agree on Leddy. I hope progresses, but I can see him regressing a bit.

You could make a case that #2 is in the top 5 of most overrated NHL players. What no one IS talking about is that this lockout gave all those teams who went deep into the playoffs a reset as well. So the cup hangover, all that crap is off the board.

Hawks will be battling for their lives. Lots of teams improved below them, and the Hawks at best are stagnant.
fathermerrin
Joined: 11.12.2009

Jan 7 @ 5:22 PM ET
Can anyone link me any recent news about how's Hossa doing?
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Jan 7 @ 5:23 PM ET
Hammer was worse than Keith leaving the guy open on the back door.

Half their problems on defense were inability to establish a cycle and absolutely horrific D zone coverage by most of the forwards on most nights.

If Hossa (nagging injuries and brain scrambled) and Toews (see Hossa) and Keith (who has either had groin or elbow problems the last two years) are healthy they will have a very productive year. If those guys pick up injuries like they have the last two then that could be problematic.

Really think a shortened season plays to their advantages. Especially with Daytoit weaker, Nashville weaker, Columbus (self explanatory) and STL seriously doesn't impress me aside from goaltending and they could get knocked out of the running in the first two weeks if that ain't right.

And who else in the West can compete? San Jose --- On paper for sure, Vancouver --- Maybe if Kessler comes back but it doesn't sound like he has recovered the way they would like, LA --- probably. 1st round buy should be a lock and deal with the West Coast teams when the time comes. Should be a good year (well half anyways).
philco28
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mississauga, ON
Joined: 12.06.2011

Jan 7 @ 5:25 PM ET
Not going to argue that very strenuously. I'm not a big Crawford fan. The Wings are going to have a tough year regardless.
- John Jaeckel


I was during his rookie year where i felt he was robbed for not even being a Calder finalist...but i'll be forever haunted by his absolute whiffs in the Phoenix series.
philco28
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mississauga, ON
Joined: 12.06.2011

Jan 7 @ 5:25 PM ET
Not going to argue that very strenuously. I'm not a big Crawford fan. The Wings are going to have a tough year regardless.
- John Jaeckel


I was during his rookie year where i felt he was robbed for not even being a Calder finalist...but i'll be forever haunted by his absolute whiffs in the Phoenix series.

Phuck me...the brutal double post
Bren4Wings
Detroit Red Wings
Joined: 08.17.2006

Jan 7 @ 5:51 PM ET
Colaiacovo isn't Lidstrom. He doesn't even come close. What does Detroit have for defensemen besides Kronwall?

On paper or not, it's thin. Stanley Cups are not won with a thin defense.

- EKolb13


He absolutely is not Lidstom. There is no replacing Lidstom. I would be shocked if Colaio plays in the top 4- Krons, White, Smith and Quincey I see as the Wings top 4.

Kronwall has quietly been taking over top minutes on the bluleline the past few seasons/playoffs. As a Wings fan I'm curious to see how the Wings bluleline fairs. I have never seen such a young bluleline- Kronwall is the "old man" turning 32 in a few days.

Howard is the question. Cups can be won by a goaltender. Not that I expect to see the Wings playing for the cup this season, but I can hope
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 7 @ 5:59 PM ET
Good write up. However for all the pros and cons of the Hawks, I still think the biggest factor is the goaltending. It's ok to say that CC was bad last year because he was. If he doesn't get back to his 2011 form or start to progress into a Championship caliber goalie then the Hawks won't go far. Yes all those other factors will play parts too but if the goaltending doesn't improve then it won't matter. Can't win in today's NHL with shaky goaltending.

If I have one major beef with Bowman (and his dad), it's that they undervalue the goalie position. Everyone's been talking about the buyouts for this Summer, if CC plays bad again I think he's a real candidate to get bought out. Can't keep on wasting years with lousy goalie play.

That being said as much as we all hated the lockout, the Hawks may have benefited from it since Toews and Hossa are finally concussion symptom free. It seems like if the season had started on time, one or both would not have been ready. I think another thing that may benefit them is for the first time in 3 years, half the roster has not been turned over.

- dan9189


To be a true Cup contender Crawford must be better that is a fact...

But he has been an easy target and a way to look past a lot of other deficiencies.
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 7 @ 6:08 PM ET
Lastly, why didn't the NHL and NHLPA come out in a major PR move to kiss every NHL fan's @ss? Not just the die hards, but the casual fan. You are barely a major sport in the US, and you just had the most insane, idiotic, pathetic labor dispute in the history of major sports. Try explaining what MAJORALLY changed to a casual fan..I did and gave up when I asked "that's it?"

The "Thank you Fans" ice salute won't cut it. The NHL has again burned bridges and frankly could care less. The egos on both sides are at fault, and I'll be surprised if attendance is the same or UP compared to last year not only in Chicago but also across the league.

- SteveRain



I'm not taking the NHL side here but hockey logic tells me per game attendance will be up from last year, at worse the same.

Considering the made for TV 3 pt system and the shortened season many teams will appear to be be in the playoff hunt to the very end.

Factor in a few longshots who were lucky as to not have many injuries that could get in and see their attendance increase quite a bit.

Once again the wrong behavior will be rewarded.

Lastly...You couldn't have thought there was any chance Kitchen would be gone.

He will leave with Q....
moots
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mundelein, IL
Joined: 12.02.2009

Jan 7 @ 6:11 PM ET
I'm not taking the NHL side here but hockey logic tells me per game attendance will be up from last year, at worse the same.

Considering the made for TV 3 pt system and the shortened season many teams will appear to be be in the playoff hunt to the very end.

Factor in a few longshots who were lucky as to not have many injuries that could get in and see their attendance increase quite a bit.

Once again the wrong behavior will be rewarded.

Lastly...You couldn't have thought there was any chance Kitchen would be gone.

He will leave with Q....

- Al

There using a 3 point system?
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 7 @ 6:21 PM ET
Have you guys sent the "(frank) you very much" letter to Tallon today?

If the rumors are right about the "recapture" clause the Hawks will have to buy out Hossa next summer or get stuck with a big cap hit when he retires with 4 or 5 years left on his deal.

A few teams getting (frank)ed with that clause.

- The Law



Tallon could be blamed for some things but signing Hossa would probably not be at the top of the list.
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 7 @ 6:21 PM ET
There using a 3 point system?
- moots


What would you call it?
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