Just what we need -- another John Scott.
- BMWChiFan

Vandymeer 23 entry above just gave an accounting. No John Scott. Not a protector, not going to be of any help. I was guessing, just throwing out a cheap contract if he was the sort who could fill a role for a short time this season.

I sure hope Rocky had more patience and discipline than the posters on this blog.
- BetweenTheDots

Trade Rocky!

The thing with Toews is that there is nobody here WANTS to trade Toews. We all just want him to be the guy we all knew and loved from 2008-2015. It is an objective fact that he is NOT that guy and has not been for 2+ seasons now. When 88+19 and even 7 signed those deals, everyone (Bowman included) knew there would be a regression and at one point in those deals, they would not be performing up to the Cap Hit standards. With both 19 + 7, that time has come several years too soon. BreadBag has commented on 19's point totals, which appparently are only slightly off his career pace. Stats don't lie, so fair point. However, it is not just the point totals, but the impact on the ice shift in and shift out. Toews was a guy who dominated the puck, created plays, all while winning 60% of his faceoffs and playing tough defense. With a few exceptions once or twice a month, Toews is NOT a dominant player, but just an above average one. Mike Milbury sees it, Keith Jones sees it, and the guys at NBC are FINALLY calling out 19 for not being the same guy he was when the Hawks were a great team. Toews cannot just rack up points with empty nets and against bottom dwellers, he needs to be dominant against the Central and West, which he has been far from. If the Hawks want any chance of sniffing the playoffs and another cup in the next decade, then they have to #MakeToewsGreatAgain
- EnzoD

I agree with you.. Toews should not be a sacred cow. He has regressed for over 2 1/2 years. He no longer an impact player and has taken many unwanted and stupid penalties. He looses about 1/2 of the board battles. He get's kicked out of the face-offs way to many times. At times he gets very lazy coming back to cover on defense. I honestly think Toews regression is caused by some kind of injury( like Bolland's back) that cannot be fixed. If I was Toews and have had 2 1/2 years of sub par performances... The first thing I would give up would be my "C"... It would bother me knowing My performances do not merit for me to continue being the captain... I doesn't need the extra pressure .

@johndietzdh
Are Blackhawks still 100 percent sure Crawford will come back this season? Quenneville: “We’re optimistic that’s the definitely case.”
- walleyeb1

Translation: No

Make a bold move...TRADE TOEWS TO THE WINNIPEG JETS. Surely he would waive his no movement clause to play in his home town. Now before everyone says that will make the Jets stronger than what they are now, think about what an extra 10.5 million of cap space would do...also, to further help "swallow" the deal, through in Seabrook and agree to pay HALF of his salary...now there's another 3.5 million saved. Suddenly you have a Hawks team with $$$ to spend and what did we lose??? A 10.5 million dollar 45 point face off winning center...can find those for half that amount...and a former defensive stalwart who can't keep up to the slower players in the league. Both of them would relish the chance at another Cup and as much as I hate to admit it...that isn't happening in Chitown any time soon with this roster.

Make a bold move...TRADE TOEWS TO THE WINNIPEG JETS. Surely he would waive his no movement clause to play in his home town. Now before everyone says that will make the Jets stronger than what they are now, think about what an extra 10.5 million of cap space would do...also, to further help "swallow" the deal, through in Seabrook and agree to pay HALF of his salary...now there's another 3.5 million saved. Suddenly you have a Hawks team with $$$ to spend and what did we lose??? A 10.5 million dollar 45 point face off winning center...can find those for half that amount...and a former defensive stalwart who can't keep up to the slower players in the league. Both of them would relish the chance at another Cup and as much as I hate to admit it...that isn't happening in Chitown any time soon with this roster.
- Chisoxhawk

If Toews is such a problem why would Winnipeg do this?

If Toews is such a problem why would Winnipeg do this?
- DarthKane

Yep.

Look, I like Kane and what he brings, but I don't subscribe to the Kane is the only good thing the Hawks have theory that is floating around. He and his line have their weaknesses, even if he is exciting with the puck at times.



This is the rate the Hawks score goals or give up goals when he is on the ice (even strength). So far this year is the first time he is on the wrong side of that equation. Some luck plays into it, but this is a bit of a red flag.

Here are some examples of how the Hawks play when he is on the ice even strength per season.



Some of these mirror the issues with the team getting weaker and weaker defensively as the number of chances against, shots against, etc have climbed year over year.

Finally, here is Kane's production per 60 minutes (all situations)



He seemed to find his scoring touch in 2013, but last year and this season he is producing pretty much like average. He wasn't able to regain the magic of 2015/2016 and his production came back down to earth.

I'm not putting all the stats above on Kane as he is just one guy on the ice at the time, but they need to figure out why they are under-water 5v5 when their top offensive weapon is on the ice. Special teams make a difference, but can not be what they rely on to come through and win consistently. In some regards if the current lines don't keep rolling, I'm starting to think they need to go nuclear and put 19/88 together again.

At 5 on 5 Kane and Toews have played ~ 70 minutes this season, but nobody has scored more goals per minutes with Kane than Toews, so why not give it a try.

Goals while playing with Kane 5v5

Schamltz 8
Forsling 6
Rutta 6
AA 5
Toews 5

Toews has played significant less minutes with Kane, so why not load up and go for a strong push to try and make it. Just a thought anyway.

Make a bold move...TRADE TOEWS TO THE WINNIPEG JETS. Surely he would waive his no movement clause to play in his home town. Now before everyone says that will make the Jets stronger than what they are now, think about what an extra 10.5 million of cap space would do...also, to further help "swallow" the deal, through in Seabrook and agree to pay HALF of his salary...now there's another 3.5 million saved. Suddenly you have a Hawks team with $$$ to spend and what did we lose??? A 10.5 million dollar 45 point face off winning center...can find those for half that amount...and a former defensive stalwart who can't keep up to the slower players in the league. Both of them would relish the chance at another Cup and as much as I hate to admit it...that isn't happening in Chitown any time soon with this roster.
- Chisoxhawk

Thinking since he apparently (allegedly) just dropped $12M on a new condo in Chicago, he's not expecting to be asked to waive, nor planning to do so.

As long as an overtly racist moniker like "Redskins" are still a team, the Hawks are far from in danger IMO. Additionally, I truly believe that the Blackhawks honor Chief Blackhawk both with a realistic logo, and incorporating Native Americans into the organization (pregame, ect).
- EnzoD

The story I’ve heard over the years is the the team wasn’t directly named after an Indian tribe but instead after a U.S Army division that was nicknamed the “Black Hawks” and used an Indian-themed logo as its unit patch. There are a number of units that continue to use an Indian-themed unit patch. The one I am most familiar with is the patch for the 2nd Infantry Division that was stationed in the Republic of Korea when I was stationed there in the early 70s.

If Toews is such a problem why would Winnipeg do this?
- DarthKane

"Leadership"
"Experience"
"Playoff experience"
"Marketing"

"Leadership"
"Experience"
"Playoff experience"
"Marketing"
- Slofire94

They have momentum, they have young players accomplishing and soon to accomplish. They have lots of prospects, some good ones knocking and ready now. Their goaltending is shaping up. Wheeler stepped up while Schiefle was out. They should not inject Toews $10.5 into this even if experience, playoff experience, marketing would, indeed, help. Because later- like in a year - they will not reap the Toews effect but may feel the opposite effect. Let them do it on their own and grow on their own.

"Leadership"
"Experience"
"Playoff experience"
"Marketing"
- Slofire94

What heights might Big Buff and, eventually, Br Lemieux rise to? Playoff hockey. Don't allow the diminished Toews spoil the party.

I agree, of all the sports teams with Native Canadian/American nicknames and logos the Blackhawks will be the last to change. Over the years I've spoken with a bunch of people with Native Canadian background and not one ever had an issue with, in fact it was quite the opposite. They cheered for the Blackhawks because of their logo and name. I have even been stopped on the street and in restaurants by Native Canadians and they've only every had positive things to say.

That being said, in today's day and age everyone is offended by everything so it will only be a matter of time before serious pressure is put on the Hawks to make a change. I don't think they'll change their name, but I think one day they'll change their logo (which is sad).
- DarthKane

Totally agree with you 100%,when is enough,enough already?Chief Illiniwek, Nokahoma in Atlanta, the Redskins, Now the Indians,they should Stand pat and refuse to do it.
If you talk to a huge contingent of native Americans, they probably think most of this nonsensical overkill by a few squeaky wheels , most of them lawyers.I have personally over the years talked to several native Americans and they view it as entertainment in sports and are not offended by any of these names , half time entertainment or stadium mascots.This crap has gotten way to out of hand and I hope the Hawks ball up and say” we aren’t changing a dam thing if the situation arises” JMO. And that is all.

Hawks tend to over achieve when an underdog on the road-
Hawks win 3-2 in Nashville

Long lay off=crappy performance

Long lay off=crappy performance
- BetweenTheDots

With this team, no lay off or short lay off = crappy performance.

I hope they put a good one together tomorrow. They need to start the post All-Star season with a solid win.

While I'm not saying Toews isn't without issues, here is another way to look at his value to the team. Here is a visual example of the 4 current C on the team, how much they've played with the other forwards and if the player had better or worse stats in some key areas at even strength

Toews


Schmaltz


Anismiov


Kampf



Toews may not be earning full value for his cap hit. He struggled to finish chances this year, especially on the PP and he has committed a few more 2 minute minors than you'd like to see, but in general the Hawks play better when he is on the ice.

Consider that Q often tries to get Toews out there vs top line players. Toews is the only C that is strong at the dot (Kampf is okay at 50.8%) and that #19 is often the first forward sent out on the PK. There isn't really a C on the team that plays harder minutes, but Toews does generally make the guys around him better. He has slumps in his individual production, but his line holds their own in the long run.

The Hawks would be hard pressed to replace him. I really think the coaching staff and his teammates see the value he does bring to the team.

The story I’ve heard over the years is the the team wasn’t directly named after an Indian tribe but instead after a U.S Army division that was nicknamed the “Black Hawks” and used an Indian-themed logo as its unit patch. There are a number of units that continue to use an Indian-themed unit patch. The one I am most familiar with is the patch for the 2nd Infantry Division that was stationed in the Republic of Korea when I was stationed there in the early 70s.
- Spec41971

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.[57]

Totally agree with you 100%,when is enough,enough already?Chief Illiniwek, Nokahoma in Atlanta, the Redskins, Now the Indians,they should Stand pat and refuse to do it.
If you talk to a huge contingent of native Americans, they probably think most of this nonsensical overkill by a few squeaky wheels , most of them lawyers.I have personally over the years talked to several native Americans and they view it as entertainment in sports and are not offended by any of these names , half time entertainment or stadium mascots.This crap has gotten way to out of hand and I hope the Hawks ball up and say” we aren’t changing a dam thing if the situation arises” JMO. And that is all.
- wonthecup10

The Blackhawks have probably done the best job in all of sports of shifting to a more respectful usage of a native American logo and name. I hadn't heard the backstory of it being the name of an armed services platoon before, that's a cool add to the legacy. I had always just heard that it was named after Chief Blackhawk, which is a person, not a tribe. It wasn't always the case that the Blackhawks were this respectful, but as the times changed, they got in front of the curve. I've been proud of how they've handled it.

I also think it is cool that when the time comes to change it, they can basically keep the name and changed the logo to a black bird (without the native American jewelry and ornaments.) There is a lot that can be done with The Black Hawks.

It's hard because we grew up cheering for the team and have deep connections with the logo. It is even in our identity that we're "Blackhawks fans" (some of us.)

But at the end of the day, using the current logo meets the definition of cultural appropriation. Being the class organization that they are, I think they'll change the logo some day. I doubt that they'll be the last because they'll want to show more leadership and not resistance. They never want to be looked at like the Redskins are looked at now.

Hawks tend to over achieve when an underdog on the road-
Hawks win 3-2 in Nashville
- Colbyboy

11-1 Preds

There is far too much negativity on this Board concerning the Hawks. This is a team that was the First Seed in the West last year. Yes it is true that those Hawks suffered an embarrassing First Round sweep at the hands of the Predators. However, that result had much to do with two issues seldom acknowledged. First - Q completely messed up the end of the Regular Season. The Hawks coasted and sat players out. What ended up happening is the Hawks went into the play-offs off their game and with no momentum or cohesion. It is hard to just turn the tap off and on. Second - Rinne gave the Predators perfect goaltending while Crawford gave the Hawks average if not below-average goaltending. When Rinne fell back to earth which he did in the Final it showed how vulnerable the Predators were. These two issues were all it took.

This year’s team has had its issues. Much of it has to do with coaching. Dirty Ulf is not an elite coach, he is not even a good coach. The sooner the Hawks take away his influence the better they will be. Keith has not lost it overnight. Play Keith with Seabrook or Murphy (on his proper side), who will protect Keith and his style of play and watch Keith flourish. Play him with Oesterle, who can’t even protect himself and Keith will continue to struggle.

Leave Seabrook alone - he also has not just lost it overnight. For a number of years now Seabrook has been saddled with babysitting whatever rookie or struggling D-Man is on the team. It is idiotic to play him with Murphy on his wrong side. Murphy should only play his proper side. Murphy deserves respect. You don’t Captain Team USA without knowing how to play. That Seabrook was sat out a game and Murphy was sat out many games in favour of players far below them has been ridiculous. Also actually acknowledge how poorly Rutta and Forsling have played.

Q has been especially stubborn and aggravating this year and that is saying a lot. Play DeBrincat as a LW from now on - he should always have been there. Leave Saad with Kane and leave Schmaltz at Centre. I never thought that Saad had great chemistry with Toews. Wish Saad was right-handed but you can’t have everything. Stats show Saad plays better with Kane. Stop viewing Bouma and Wingels as better than they are. I could talk endlessly about the forwards.

Took a whole season to figure out to have a right-handed shot at the top of the diamond of the PP for one-timers - Seabrook - please leave alone now.

The Hawks need to play a simpler, smarter game but the changes are not difficult. Stop taking idiotic penalties miles from your own net. Stop giving up great chances for shots for idiotic passes that don’t work. Get your shots on goal - stop getting your shots blocked and stop shooting wide. Stop idiotic D-Man pinching that is serving up odd-man breaks the other way. As a die-hard fan it has been infuriating to watch these things occur night after night.

The Hawks are not far away from prolonged success and the main reason for this fact is their problems have been highly self-inflicted from poor coaching to poor player decision-making. Let’s drive for the play-offs where we do some damage.

The Hawks have the blessing of the Sauk tribe to use the logo and have several partnerships with American Indian groups. I don't see it going anywhere.
- JRoenick97

I just happened to tune into AM 1000 and the Kap show and this was mentioned. That the Indians are dropping Chief Wahoo and Pat Boyle was co-hosting mentioned the Hawks have a fantastic partnership with the Sauk's and in fact meet with them a couple times a yr.

It does seem, for now anyways, the Hawks and the logo are safe.

There is far too much negativity on this Board concerning the Hawks. This is a team that was the First Seed in the West last year. Yes it is true that those Hawks suffered an embarrassing First Round sweep at the hands of the Predators. However, that result had much to do with two issues seldom acknowledged. First - Q completely messed up the end of the Regular Season. The Hawks coasted and sat players out. What ended up happening is the Hawks went into the play-offs off their game and with no momentum or cohesion. It is hard to just turn the tap off and on. Second - Rinne gave the Predators perfect goaltending while Crawford gave the Hawks average if not below-average goaltending. When Rinne fell back to earth which he did in the Final it showed how vulnerable the Predators were. These two issues were all it took.

This year’s team has had its issues. Much of it has to do with coaching. Dirty Ulf is not an elite coach, he is not even a good coach. The sooner the Hawks take away his influence the better they will be. Keith has not lost it overnight. Play Keith with Seabrook or Murphy (on his proper side), who will protect Keith and his style of play and watch Keith flourish. Play him with Oesterle, who can’t even protect himself and Keith will continue to struggle.

Leave Seabrook alone - he also has not just lost it overnight. For a number of years now Seabrook has been saddled with babysitting whatever rookie or struggling D-Man is on the team. It is idiotic to play him with Murphy on his wrong side. Murphy should only play his proper side. Murphy deserves respect. You don’t Captain Team USA without knowing how to play. That Seabrook was sat out a game and Murphy was sat out many games in favour of players far below them has been ridiculous. Also actually acknowledge how poorly Rutta and Forsling have played.

Q has been especially stubborn and aggravating this year and that is saying a lot. Play DeBrincat as a LW from now on - he should always have been there. Leave Saad with Kane and leave Schmaltz at Centre. I never thought that Saad had great chemistry with Toews. Wish Saad was right-handed but you can’t have everything. Stats show Saad plays better with Kane. Stop viewing Bouma and Wingels as better than they are. I could talk endlessly about the forwards.

Took a whole season to figure out to have a right-handed shot at the top of the diamond of the PP for one-timers - Seabrook - please leave alone now.

The Hawks need to play a simpler, smarter game but the changes are not difficult. Stop taking idiotic penalties miles from your own net. Stop giving up great chances for shots for idiotic passes that don’t work. Get your shots on goal - stop getting your shots blocked and stop shooting wide. Stop idiotic D-Man pinching that is serving up odd-man breaks the other way. As a die-hard fan it has been infuriating to watch these things occur night after night.

The Hawks are not far away from prolonged success and the main reason for this fact is their problems have been highly self-inflicted from poor coaching to poor player decision-making. Let’s drive for the play-offs where we do some damage.
- Z3Hawk

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

https://theathletic.com/224972/2018/01/29/tracking-the-hawks-neutral-zone-an-odd-area-for-the-blackhawks-this-season/

This article does a great job of breaking down the Hawks struggles and successes this season. A few excerpts:

"The Blackhawks are a very odd team to break down because of how extreme they are at both ends. Offensively, they are carrying the puck in at an astounding 59.4 percent, so for every 10 entries, nearly six are with control of the puck. For context, this is the highest carry-in rate I have ever seen any team post through any point of the season. There are only six teams in the league that are currently carrying the puck in on over 50 percent of their entries and the Blackhawks are one of two teams to have a carry-in rate over 55 percent, the other team being the Colorado Avalanche."

"On the flipside, their neutral zone defense is among the worst in the league. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing a higher rate of their opponent’s entries to be carried in and it’s by far one of the highest opposing carry-in percentages I have ever tracked in my four seasons studying neutral zone play. It’s an interesting dynamic because one would think the Blackhawks' offense should mitigate some of this."

"This could suggest that they’ve struggled to make the most of their opportunities on the rush or create much sustained offense. The fact they lead the league in offensive zone faceoffs (according to Corsica.Hockey) could shed some light on this too. It’s possible their concern is to get a shot on goal and work from plays off the faceoffs."

"They’re one of the worst teams in the league at preventing high-danger passing plays (plays that cross the slot or come from behind the net). The first chart in this article showed that they’ve also been poor at preventing other teams from carrying the puck in and it’s pretty clear to see how the two are connected. Allowing that many carry-ins opens the door for things like odd-man rushes, cross-seam passes and anything else that’s a nightmare for goaltenders to deal with. The Blackhawks have been getting burned by these all season. The entire team is responsible for defense, but when placed into 1-on-1 situations, just about everyone on the Blackhawks blue line has struggled to stop the play."

"There’s a saying in hockey about the best defense being an offense that can control the puck. It’s not a bad strategy for the Blackhawks to emulate with their forwards being very dangerous and their defense corps being in flux. The only problem is that it’s not always a realistic strategy in the NHL, especially against the quicker and more skilled teams. The Blackhawks defense hasn’t played well this year, but this might be one area where it’s not completely on them. The Blackhawks want to maximize their time with the puck and while there’s nothing wrong with that, their defense tends to get put in some bad spots after one mistake."
- JRoenick97

Thanks for sharing. ... Very interesting indeed. My first thought was these "never before seen" entry and possession stats were accrued with how many rookies and new faces in the lineup, a lineup that has been juggled so it can't possibly have optimum chemistry. It has been done in spite of itself!............ Also tells me despite the defensive shortcomings the young defense is triggering the attack well enough to allow a clean carry in, record setting in fact, and that's real good.

So it must be the system, no? Or does the opponent allow them in knowing they will work the edges and not be dangerous with the puck and in fact with this posture the Hawks will allow transition, weak neutral zone play and easy entries? Like a boxer who lets you in only cuz he knows you're vulnerable to the counter punch.

For me I watch where the center and Dmen are in the Ozone. A center low below the circles means you're aggressive, a center high, above the circles, means you are not. Same for Dmen. If they are joining as a 4th forward or often pinching they are aggressive if not they're in a defensive posture with all but the wings high.

Many things can be read into the Athletic's work one being Q 's system with a bunch of new faces and rookies, especially at D, has allowed for a dangerous group IF they could finish.