I like Maroon. He is huge and not afraid to go to the net, has decent hands and is on a very affordable contract. He is a pending UFA so will quite likely be available at the TDL. Would he re-sign at a reasonable number? He would add what we currently lack up front.
- 67hawks

I don't watch them enough, but is his skating up to par for the new NHL? He is also turning 30 in April of this year. I've read that he will be a coveted Deadline acquisition and I'm not sure he fits the mold of what the Hawks are looking to do with younger and faster players.

I don't watch them enough, but is his skating up to par for the new NHL? He is also turning 30 in April of this year. I've read that he will be a coveted Deadline acquisition and I'm not sure he fits the mold of what the Hawks are looking to do with younger and faster players.
- EnzoD

He's been able to keep up with skilled faster players in the past both in production and skating. Obviously he's not a burner or anything, but he's able to keep up.

He's been able to keep up with skilled faster players in the past both in production and skating. Obviously he's not a burner or anything, but he's able to keep up.
- BlazinMike

A good point. But I think a big body power forward with fair skating who will sign for $4mil-$5mil at age 30 is not the type of investment the Hawks should be making.

A good point. But I think a big body power forward with fair skating who will sign for $4mil-$5mil at age 30 is not the type of investment the Hawks should be making.
- EnzoD

I wouldn't sign him to that kind of deal, but agree someone probly will. Even though he made a reasonable salary on this contract he's on.

Bump him to like $2mil for a raise, but no reason to go any higher.

I found this on Chief Blackhawk Wikipedia page:

The Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League indirectly derive their name from Black Hawk. Their first owner, Frederic McLaughlin, was a commander with the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion of the 86th Infantry Division during World War I, nicknamed the "Black Hawk Division" after the war leader. McLaughlin named the hockey team in honor of his military unit.
- matt_ahrens[57]

Thanks. I also am of the opinion that they changed the name officially to Blackhawks because there was confusion in the press as to how to spell the name. They were getting both Black Hawks and Blackhawks in the local press. I personally feel Blackhawks is easier on the eye.

Do you know why the defensrmen were paired as they have been? You say stuff that is correct but you miss a lot of things.

They lost in the playoffs for the most part because they were unwilling to match the Pred's tenacity, discipline, and rough play. It didn't help coasting into playoffs, as you said. Bowman thought enough players would step up and play tough enough. This is not the same team as previous playoffs. Some players played hurt, some turtle, some did not really try or seem to care. The players who did not barely try perhaps gave up once they realized how badly they were outplayed.

In order for the team to have prolonged success the forwards are going to have to come back and play a strict system where they help the defensemen break out of their zone. Loosing too many face offs hurts possession time. There is not enough players willing to scrap for the puck and check, not enough sandpaper and grit players and that - not just the defensemen - is doom and gloom.

If they would stop doing some of their idiotic ways then the team has a fighting chance, you indicate. My biggest gripe here is the drop pass really irks me. This is a point about idiotic play we agree upon. You think this is going to just stop in their games? I believe it only when I see it actually occur.

I just want to add: Samuelson is teaching the new defense around the league. Quick reactions, playing at speed, keeping feet moving through forays into the attack zone is part and parcel. The best at it, is Forsling. But on the job training is tough.

You also have defensemen at age 25 and 21 who make mistakes (still) and need to learn from them. They need repitition and playing at the NHL level to improve sooner than later. The majority of dmen take some time to develop. When forwards are not helping enough and there are new faces with other new faces- well there needs to be some continuity. Especially with young players.

An experienced player with a young guy is a common choice or preference on defense since forever but Murphy is not exactly a grizzled veteran and Seabrook had issues. This defense is not going to be anywhere good enough once teams are fighting hard in the playoff run.

I say no playoffs but next season the defense will be better. It is a work in progress..........
It is even beyond that when a Gustafsson and Kempny still are playing because Bowman is trying to showcase them for the ulterior motive of a trade.

Also are you counting on BOTH Toews and Seabrook to play consistently solid hockey as in a 23-10 record
- jhawk59

This is spot on, Samuelsson’s defensive system relies on forwards getting back on D quickly. He wants short quick outlet passes, with Dmen joining the rush. It also requires forwards to be aware of their positioning when attacking in the offensive zone. Far too often we end up with all three forwards in deep, resulting in the odd man rushes.

Thanks. I also am of the opinion that they changed the name officially to Blackhawks because there was confusion in the press as to how to spell the name. They were getting both Black Hawks and Blackhawks in the local press. I personally feel Blackhawks is easier on the eye.
- Spec41971

Seems like it was just a matter of reading comprehension.

From Wikipedia:

"...the team's name was spelled in two words as the "Black Hawks" until 1986, when the club officially became the "Blackhawks," based on the spelling found in the original franchise documents"

This is spot on, Samuelsson’s defensive system relies on forwards getting back on D quickly. He wants short quick outlet passes, with Dmen joining the rush. It also requires forwards to be aware of their positioning when attacking in the offensive zone. Far too often we end up with all three forwards in deep, resulting in the odd man rushes.
- walleyeb1

3 forwards and an overzealous Michal Kempny usually.

Don't post here very often anymore, but some quick hits.

*You can post all the fancy stats you want (I'm not here to argue for or against their efficacy), but if you watch Toews and can't see a massive difference in his play then I'd like some of what you're smoking. Game in game out I see this guy losing board battles, coughing up the puck, and just generally not being the impact player he once was. When's the last time anyone has seen him make a strong power move to the net or overpower a defender with skill? It's a problem and at his salary level it's an even bigger problem.

*Kane still has game breaking talent and is the one guy I don't really worry about. He continues to plug along at a PPG pace and while he doesn't have a Panarin any more to probably inflate his totals a bit, I think he's been just fine.

*As has been discussed ad nauseam, Keith and Seabrook getting long in the tooth has started to show (Seabrook for a couple seasons). Without another true top pairing Dman on the team or in the pipeline this is probably one of the biggest factors in the Hawks decline.

At the end of the day though I'm not really angry. I feel like there's a lot of anger, hindsight and could have/should have. This run wasn't going to last forever. This team is a long shot to make the playoffs and if they do, does anyone really have any confidence that they can make some noise? The over-payments on contracts are definitely going to have an effect on how this team is able to compete/build for the future. Nothing is going to change that now though so best to just start identifying which young guys to build around and go from there.

The ride was fun while it lasted. I'm hoping I get to see another one in my lifetime.
- Coca

That stats don't have to be fancy to see that the downfall of Toews is blown out of proportion. He has had a few problems this season, but most of it is perception.

He hasn't gotten it done on the Powerplay, but at even strength the Hawks have scored more goals with Toews on the ice than any other player on the team. For a guy who sucks so badly and loses so many battles that is a real head scratcher.

Toews is having that positive impact right in line with the rest of his career. Toews often matches up against strong competition from the other team yet the team plays better when he is on the ice. That is what matters and why he isn't as bad as some people would lead you to believe.

If the cap goes up by 5 million and they can come off the Hossa deal then they aren't in awful shape.

Obviously some guys aren't carrying all the water they can but I feel like that's been complained about enough.

If Toews shooting % starts to normalize based on his career number and Kane goes on a tear like he did in 2012 to back them into the playoffs then they could end up in that last wild card spot.

There is certainly enough talent on the roster to go on a major tear or two. There has also been enough mediocre play to know that is a long shot.

Otherwise, its a chance at a quality first round pick and depending on what they plan to do with the roster maybe they can move up or add a quality piece or two at the draft itself.

That stats don't have to be fancy to see that the downfall of Toews is blown out of proportion. He has had a few problems this season, but most of it is perception.

He hasn't gotten it done on the Powerplay, but at even strength the Hawks have scored more goals with Toews on the ice than any other player on the team. For a guy who sucks so badly and loses so many battles that is a real head scratcher.

Toews is having that positive impact right in line with the rest of his career. Toews often matches up against strong competition from the other team yet the team plays better when he is on the ice. That is what matters and why he isn't as bad as some people would lead you to believe.
- breadbag

Doesn't go to the front of the net like he used to. Doesn't clown dudes physically like he used to. Doesn't explode through the natural zone and wreck three dudes with awesome stick handling moves like he used to.

There are some indicators that clearly state that he doesn't suck but to say he is the dominant player he was his first 5 years in the league is not accurate.

That stats don't have to be fancy to see that the downfall of Toews is blown out of proportion. He has had a few problems this season, but most of it is perception.

He hasn't gotten it done on the Powerplay, but at even strength the Hawks have scored more goals with Toews on the ice than any other player on the team. For a guy who sucks so badly and loses so many battles that is a real head scratcher.

Toews is having that positive impact right in line with the rest of his career. Toews often matches up against strong competition from the other team yet the team plays better when he is on the ice. That is what matters and why he isn't as bad as some people would lead you to believe.
- breadbag

I never said he sucks "so badly" (although others might have made similar comments) nor can I argue with any of the statistics you've posted.

With that said, and you can agree to disagree, the current Jonathan Toews just seems to be missing something. No I can't quantify it, but I've watched and played a lot of hockey over the last 30 + years and at this point I don't consider Toews to be the same type of impact player he once was or even close. Whether it's fatigue, injury, lack of drive after winning 3 cups...I don't know the answer. This was talked about recently during one of the games on NBC as well.

Add this to the fact that he is being paid as a top 5 - 10 elite player in the NHL and he's surely not living up to that billing, but there's no need to rehash that debate. The contract is signed, over and done with. I have no ill will towards Toews and want him to succeed and help my hometown team. I guess he just leaves me wanting more knowing what I've seen him do before, but time and age catches up to the best of us.

Doesn't go to the front of the net like he used to. Doesn't clown dudes physically like he used to. Doesn't explode through the natural zone and wreck three dudes with awesome stick handling moves like he used to.

There are some indicators that clearly state that he doesn't suck but to say he is the dominant player he was his first 5 years in the league is not accurate.
- fattybeef

These are true, but the league in general has gotten better as well, and he's aged. It's getting harder and harder to dominate players.

Big game tonight.

Let's see of that "switch turns on".

There's beem a lot of talk from the Hawks players and Coaches all year with nothing more than extremely frustrating and varying results from game-to-game.

There are a few more sellers coming on to the scene (MTL & DET the latest) so if the Hawks can't turn it around in these next few games, time for Stan to look at selling off any pieces that teams may want for a playoff run.
- Justin Lowe

really its now or never...they must put their big boy pants on and start beating the big boy teams...start tonight...they have 25 games vs playoff teams...

other than the jets they have not played well at all vs the better teams...if they think they are a playoff team then start playing like one or...

Doesn't go to the front of the net like he used to. Doesn't clown dudes physically like he used to. Doesn't explode through the natural zone and wreck three dudes with awesome stick handling moves like he used to.

There are some indicators that clearly state that he doesn't suck but to say he is the dominant player he was his first 5 years in the league is not accurate.
- fattybeef

Seems like he has gone to the net a lot. How much more did he do it before? He has parked in front of the net on the PP. He was in front of the net on both goals to open the game against Detroit the other day. He is still getting attempt on net right in front.

You can probably count on one hand how many times in his career that Toews stick handled through multiple players. How many more turnovers would he have if he was trying that all the time? Because that is a real double-edged sword. Do the coaches even want him attempting it?

A lot of it isn't so important. Toews may have adjusted either on his own or as coached by the team, but the Hawks still play fine when he is on the ice. That is what matters. I don't care if he wears one skate and a metal bikini, as long as his line is winning the battle on a nightly basis.

I never said he sucks "so badly" (although others might have made similar comments) nor can I argue with any of the statistics you've posted.

With that said, and you can agree to disagree, the current Jonathan Toews just seems to be missing something. No I can't quantify it, but I've watched and played a lot of hockey over the last 30 + years and at this point I don't consider Toews to be the same type of impact player he once was or even close. Whether it's fatigue, injury, lack of drive after winning 3 cups...I don't know the answer. This was talked about recently during one of the games on NBC as well.

Add this to the fact that he is being paid as a top 5 - 10 elite player in the NHL and he's surely not living up to that billing, but there's no need to rehash that debate. The contract is signed, over and done with. I have no ill will towards Toews and want him to succeed and help my hometown team. I guess he just leaves me wanting more knowing what I've seen him do before, but time and age catches up to the best of us.
- Coca

Maybe not and maybe he never was a Top 5 player in the league - offensively. He helps win hockey games thru all round play, that's his game.

All I ever read on here is that he now sucks, which is ridiculous. Supposedly he was outclassed and outplayed by Auston Mathews last week, which is just as silly. But I don't hear anybody on here even casually mention anything about how he fed Duclair a beauty of a pass on a 2 on 1 or sent Saad in by himself many times or set Panik up and none of those guys can ever finish.

Age and miles wear every player down, its inevitable. And I'd wager that Toews would admit some of it and mention what he's missing most is Marian Hossa.

really its now or never...they must put their big boy pants on and start beating the big boy teams...start tonight...they have 25 games vs playoff teams...

other than the jets they have not played well at all vs the better teams...if they think they are a playoff team then start playing like one or...



Indeed. That time to do it is right now. They better come out flying tonight. A 1st period sleep walk against the Preds and it will be a 5-1 loss kinda night. As we have seen, this team does not do well on extended days off between games. We will find out very soon.

Maybe not and maybe he never was a Top 5 player in the league - offensively. He helps win hockey games thru all round play, that's his game.

All I ever read on here is that he now sucks, which is ridiculous. Supposedly he was outclassed and outplayed by Auston Mathews last week, which is just as silly. But I don't hear anybody on here even casually mention anything about how he fed Duclair a beauty of a pass on a 2 on 1 or sent Saad in by himself many times or set Panik up and none of those guys can ever finish.

Age and miles wear every player down, its inevitable. And I'd wager that Toews would admit some of it and mention what he's missing most is Marian Hossa.
- RickJ

I did

Toews aside (many of us won't agree in the long run and the discussion is worth it anyway) the Hawks are really facing an uphill battle with 50 out.

I'm hoping that they sit Rutta and Sharp for time being. Both guys have been inconsistent and when they have a bad night it has been ugly.

If they do miss the playoffs (I know the odds are they will) this might add some more fuel to the fire to get them back into contention.

Seems like it was just a matter of reading comprehension.

From Wikipedia:

"...the team's name was spelled in two words as the "Black Hawks" until 1986, when the club officially became the "Blackhawks," based on the spelling found in the original franchise documents"
- BlazinMike

That's because black hawks is racist. But blackhawks is not racist. Because to describe a hawk as black u s racist. At least it might offend certain hawks. Just like indians is racist if the logo looks silly. Who could have pride in that? Now, if they put the dhali lama on their hat... that's not racist and we can be proud of that. Or if we rename them the pelicans then no one is offended. Well except for fish. Pelicans eat fish so, that would be racist against fish. Maybe plankton. Plankton never hurt nobody and we could be proud to be plankton. Ya know, cause sports is about making everybody happy and equal. Non confrontational sports is best.

Go plankton

Toews aside (many of us won't agree in the long run and the discussion is worth it anyway) the Hawks are really facing an uphill battle with 50 out.

I'm hoping that they sit Rutta and Sharp for time being. Both guys have been inconsistent and when they have a bad night it has been ugly.

If they do miss the playoffs (I know the odds are they will) this might add some more fuel to the fire to get them back into contention.
- breadbag

As a general rule, it is always better to make the playoffs than miss them; especially for a young team. But with this roster, missing the playoffs won't be the end of the world. To get back into cup contention, a few guys will need bounce-back season next year (2, 7, 19, 20, 15, 50) and a lot of guys will need to take the next step in their development. The higher draft pick won't hurt either. Adding some guys in their primes would be a plus as well. But for the guys who have been here for a while, they know their time is running out and it's always going to be now or never from here on out. So, yes, make the playoffs. And, bust your butt in the offseason to get good again.

That's because black hawks is racist. But blackhawks is not racist. Because to describe a hawk as black u s racist. At least it might offend certain hawks. Just like indians is racist if the logo looks silly. Who could have pride in that? Now, if they put the dhali lama on their hat... that's not racist and we can be proud of that. Or if we rename them the pelicans then no one is offended. Well except for fish. Pelicans eat fish so, that would be racist against fish. Maybe plankton. Plankton never hurt nobody and we could be proud to be plankton. Ya know, cause sports is about making everybody happy and equal. Non confrontational sports is best.

Go plankton
- hocktock

That's because black hawks is racist. But blackhawks is not racist. Because to describe a hawk as black u s racist. At least it might offend certain hawks. Just like indians is racist if the logo looks silly. Who could have pride in that? Now, if they put the dhali lama on their hat... that's not racist and we can be proud of that. Or if we rename them the pelicans then no one is offended. Well except for fish. Pelicans eat fish so, that would be racist against fish. Maybe plankton. Plankton never hurt nobody and we could be proud to be plankton. Ya know, cause sports is about making everybody happy and equal. Non confrontational sports is best.

Go plankton
- hocktock

da (frank)?

Do you know why the defensrmen were paired as they have been? You say stuff that is correct but you miss a lot of things.

They lost in the playoffs for the most part because they were unwilling to match the Pred's tenacity, discipline, and rough play. It didn't help coasting into playoffs, as you said. Bowman thought enough players would step up and play tough enough. This is not the same team as previous playoffs. Some players played hurt, some turtle, some did not really try or seem to care. The players who did not barely try perhaps gave up once they realized how badly they were outplayed.

In order for the team to have prolonged success the forwards are going to have to come back and play a strict system where they help the defensemen break out of their zone. Loosing too many face offs hurts possession time. There is not enough players willing to scrap for the puck and check, not enough sandpaper and grit players and that - not just the defensemen - is doom and gloom.

If they would stop doing some of their idiotic ways then the team has a fighting chance, you indicate. My biggest gripe here is the drop pass really irks me. This is a point about idiotic play we agree upon. You think this is going to just stop in their games? I believe it only when I see it actually occur.

I just want to add: Samuelson is teaching the new defense around the league. Quick reactions, playing at speed, keeping feet moving through forays into the attack zone is part and parcel. The best at it, is Forsling. But on the job training is tough.

You also have defensemen at age 25 and 21 who make mistakes (still) and need to learn from them. They need repitition and playing at the NHL level to improve sooner than later. The majority of dmen take some time to develop. When forwards are not helping enough and there are new faces with other new faces- well there needs to be some continuity. Especially with young players.

An experienced player with a young guy is a common choice or preference on defense since forever but Murphy is not exactly a grizzled veteran and Seabrook had issues. This defense is not going to be anywhere good enough once teams are fighting hard in the playoff run.

I say no playoffs but next season the defense will be better. It is a work in progress..........
It is even beyond that when a Gustafsson and Kempny still are playing because Bowman is trying to showcase them for the ulterior motive of a trade.

Also are you counting on BOTH Toews and Seabrook to play consistently solid hockey as in a 23-10 record
- jhawk59

The D-Men have been paired together wrongly so I really don’t care what wrong reasons have been relied upon in so doing.

The Hawks lost to Nashville primarily because Rinne was much better than Crawford. As I said as soon as Rinne cracked and stopped approaching perfection, which he did in the Cup Final, Nashville was done. The Penguins were easily beatable. The Hawks could never get momentum in the Series. There were opportunities to grab momentum but they couldn’t be grasped because of the difference in goaltending. The Predators didn’t intimidate the Hawks - that argument is weak and has always been used even in years the Hawks won the Cup.

Didn’t help that Q let the team coast at year’s end.

Dirty Ulf isn’t changing anything and certainly not league-wide. Forsling, Rutta and Oesterle were/are abominable. Quick outlet passes aren’t new and neither are give-away passes to opposing players. Most importantly you don’t even get to a discussion of outlet passes until you get the puck back and it is impossible to get the puck back when a D-Men won’t physically engage at all. Think of this Forsling went from hero to AHLer overnight - how? He was Dirty Ulf’s boy.

Keith has always relied upon speed but with aggression. D-Men can’t just stand around hoping the puck will magically come to them.

Keith requires protection so he can play at his best - if the coaches don’t want to do that then don’t be surprised if Keith can’t excel. Murphy is not a young player, he is seasoned. Just because Q has allowed Dirty Ulf to treat Murphy like garbage doesn’t change this. Murphy has been Team USA Captain, for heaven’s sake.

Play Keith with Murphy. Let Seabrook continue to babysit but don’t criticize when he can’t cover both sides of the ice all the time.

Guarantee you this. If Hawks make the play-offs Hawks will have played and will be playing common-sense Defence.

The Hawks’ Forwards are coming back. Any failures on Defence relate to the D-Men not the Forwards. The Forwards can come back deep all they want - if the D-Men do not win the puck it doesn’t matter.

Do I believe the Hawks can make the play-offs? Absolutely, with the Caveats that the Coaches coach smart and the Players play smart.

Jordan Oesterle last to the end-of-skate huddle, yells NO! as he starts his lap.