This attitude has to stem from an off-ice issue with Kane. I don't recall Gretzky or Lemieux being much on the defensive side of the puck. Kane backchecks way more than they do. Finest mitts I've ever seen. For 4+ decades I didn't have to pay to get in. There were a handful of players I would have paid to watch, and Kane is one of them.
- 6628

Those guys played when you could get your head knocked off on any shift

Slashing holding & cross checking were the norm
Fighting was a part of the game. Now there is hardly ever a fight so plyaers like 88 just float around.

NHL today is more like Rat Ice Hockey which is perfect for 88

Keep paying for the product

This attitude has to stem from an off-ice issue with Kane. I don't recall Gretzky or Lemieux being much on the defensive side of the puck. Kane backchecks way more than they do. Finest mitts I've ever seen. For 4+ decades I didn't have to pay to get in. There were a handful of players I would have paid to watch, and Kane is one of them.
- 6628

I think the issue here is that it seems Toews can be relentlessly attacked by fans for not producing enough points, but the fact that he completely neutralizes his opposition is just brushed off as if he's playing the role of a third line grinder. But when Kane is producing points and not getting back defensively, or slacking off getting back to the bench for a change (this happens more than a lot of people would like to admit), it's generally viewed as okay because Kane has a sexy point total to his name.


That's my view from watching every game. I personally appreciate what both guys bring, but I trust Toews a lot more than I trust Kane to bring 100% every night. There's a reason the coaching staff does, too.

the reason he was a -1 smart ass is that pp goals don't count vs plus/minus...and he got his point on the pp that night...

he plays alot of minutes vs top guys and he is going to be on the ice for 5v5 goals against...
- bogiedoc

Correct 5 on 5 he is a JOKE

Kane also has quite a few nights lately where he is completely nonexistent in any aspect of the game. He wanders around the offensive zone and disengages if a play goes poorly and then lazily makes his way back to the bench for a change. This isn't new, it has just been happening less and less as he gets older. He deserves credit for producing when he is, but when he isn't producing, he generally does not contribute much.
- Hawks_49

i agree...he tends to cherry pick around the blue line looking for the odd man...however with the offensive talent he is...i suspect he asked to do that...esp when they are behind...

he made a helluva board play and got throttled that sprung smaltz and hinny for the game winner the other night...

$10.5 for a guys who is a liability every shift on the ice

Scoreless in 11 of last 18 games

STAY HOT 88 & all of his cheerleaders

- Goalie-33

P. Kane must have really embarrassed you when you played against him. It still bothers you to this day.

i agree...he tends to cherry pick around the blue line looking for the odd man...however with the offensive talent he is...i suspect he asked to do that...esp when they are behind...

he made a helluva board play and got throttled that sprung smaltz and hinny for the game winner the other night...
- bogiedoc

I would expect that he is asked to do that at times. Absolutely.

He sure did make a great play the other night. It helped get us two points. But no way in hell should he have been out playing defense at the end of the game. No way.

I think the issue here is that it seems Toews can be relentlessly attacked by fans for not producing enough points, but the fact that he completely neutralizes his opposition is just brushed off as if he's playing the role of a third line grinder. But when Kane is producing points and not getting back defensively, or slacking off getting back to the bench for a change (this happens more than a lot of people would like to admit), it's generally viewed as okay because Kane has a sexy point total to his name.


That's my view from watching every game. I personally appreciate what both guys bring, but I trust Toews a lot more than I trust Kane to bring 100% every night. There's a reason the coaching staff does, too.
- Hawks_49

11 of last 18 games held off pointless

P. Kane must have really embarrassed you when you played against him. It still bothers you to this day.
- Rota's Rooter

He is not tough enough to play when I played

Would have been hurt every game

11 of last 18 games held off pointless
- Goalie-33

Yeah everyone knows that. We're trying to have an objective conversation without your trolling. Have a good day.

Time for an AA return to line Kane.
- eagle50

I posted it months ago................ AA is nothing without Kane on his wing.....
MOVE HIM please for Cap relief and picks asap !!
Terrible faceoff center, old, and slow......... and all he brings is passing ability and
net front presence when Kane and Schmaltz were dangling !

P. Kane must have really embarrassed you when you played against him. It still bothers you to this day.
- Rota's Rooter

He's not entirely wrong. Kane is a lazy player. He always waits for someone else to do the work in the offensive zone and get him the puck, and half asses it on d too. When is the last time you saw him get in the way of a shot? I know that's not his primary job but it never ever happens

Time for an AA return to line Kane.
- eagle50

Yes Kane needs that Defensive awareness on his line , and a sniper like DBC would not hurt . Get Vinny and Schmaltz Hartman back together as a 3rd line ,can't believe they ever broke that line up . I hate Jurco but he has looked more engaged this year ,throw him up with Toews and Duclair . Bring back Hayden and reunite the 4th line that was working ..

But I swear coach Q ego since his raise has been the biggest downfall of this team . He needs to go if he cannot get his team ready for games on a regular bases . He needs to start listening to Assistant coaches ,and playing the Hand he is dealt by Stan ...

In my humble opinion, the loss of Hossa is the single biggest cause of this season's struggles. There is no replacing him.
On the bright side (did not see last night's game), I see guys like Schmaltz, Hino and DeBrincat often back checking. And they better if they want to thrive in the NHL.
Without Hossa, the Stanley Cup puzzle for the Blackhawks is MUCH more challenging. Team top brass is likely realizing this, and we should as well. Getting over the hump will be sweet!
- 35Tony0

That and the overall makeup of the D

I think the issue here is that it seems Toews can be relentlessly attacked by fans for not producing enough points, but the fact that he completely neutralizes his opposition is just brushed off as if he's playing the role of a third line grinder. But when Kane is producing points and not getting back defensively, or slacking off getting back to the bench for a change (this happens more than a lot of people would like to admit), it's generally viewed as okay because Kane has a sexy point total to his name.


That's my view from watching every game. I personally appreciate what both guys bring, but I trust Toews a lot more than I trust Kane to bring 100% every night. There's a reason the coaching staff does, too.
- Hawks_49

I don't think that's the case anymore......it's not the clear who brings 100% every night. Kane 90% of most games dominates the ice when he's on it. Can I say the same thing about Toews.........I'll also say this......

If you want to say Kane's a marque offensive player and Toews is a marque defensive player, then if you flip it.....I don't think the drop off to kane defensively is that much less then what Toews gives you offensively.......Toews offensive game has stunk for the last few years and he looks to be skating very slow.......

Hard to argue that the trade has been a complete bust to this point. I don't think Saad can play any worse, and the first week of the season it looked like a great move for the Hawks. I still maintain that with better cap management Hawks should have never traded Saad and would have both Saad and Panarin today instead of 3rd line $4.5mil Anisimov.
- EnzoD

Looks like he is carrying something. TOI is down the last month except for a few games and he just doesn't look like he is moving right.

However the uptick in scoring from Schmalz and the revelation that Dinglecat has been has definitely made up for whatever drop off from Panarin scoring wise.

This team can't score on the power play and their team defense is suspect at best and they're skating a crap ton of 1st and 2nd year players.

IF they can keep this group together. I think they have a really good shot at doing damage next year, especially if they can roll off that Hossa money and add one more strong veteran.

He's not entirely wrong. Kane is a lazy player. He always waits for someone else to do the work in the offensive zone and get him the puck, and half asses it on d too. When is the last time you saw him get in the way of a shot? I know that's not his primary job but it never ever happens
- GPHawksfan

BINGO!!!!

Let me know when 88 wins a big faceoff or kills a pk or blocks a shot
or is not the last one to leave the O zone

I'll wait

I don't get why most of you are freaking out. This was always gonna happen with this team due to salary cap and age. Those who thought this team should have won 4 or 5 cups is delusional to the fact of how hard it is to won one cup with all the luck with health and everything else that has to go a team's way. Losing to teams like Vancouver isn't that big of a surprise either, they are basically the Hawks without a great goalie. Older vets not what they once were with hard working kids mixed in

KANE -3 AGAIN

On the ice for all "4" VAN goals

SHOCKING!!!
- Goalie-33

Where were you last game when he took a huge hit to setup a goal? Go back under your rock.

I don't think that's the case anymore......it's not the clear who brings 100% every night. Kane 90% of most games dominates the ice when he's on it. Can I say the same thing about Toews.........I'll also say this......

If you want to say Kane's a marque offensive player and Toews is a marque defensive player, then if you flip it.....I don't think the drop off to kane defensively is that much less then what Toews gives you offensively.......Toews offensive game has stunk for the last few years and he looks to be skating very slow.......
- SteveRain

We're almost on the same page here, I just think Toews' offense isn't as bad as Kane's defense. I think Toews is a bit above average offensively, and Kane is a little bit worse defensively. They're also both deployed much differently, and properly.

I don't get why most of you are freaking out. This was always gonna happen with this team due to salary cap and age. Those who thought this team should have won 4 or 5 cups is delusional to the fact of how hard it is to won one cup with all the luck with health and everything else that has to go a team's way. Losing to teams like Vancouver isn't that big of a surprise either, they are basically the Hawks without a great goalie. Older vets not what they once were with hard working kids mixed in
- GPHawksfan

You can put me on record right now. The Hawks will win another Stanley Cup, and probably 2, before Kane and Toews retire.

You can put me on record right now. The Hawks will win another Stanley Cup, and probably 2, before Kane and Toews retire.
- Hawks_49

I'd take that bet.

I posted it months ago................ AA is nothing without Kane on his wing.....
MOVE HIM please for Cap relief and picks asap !!
Terrible faceoff center, old, and slow......... and all he brings is passing ability and
net front presence when Kane and Schmaltz were dangling !
- Hawkytalk

Net front presence is a huge part of what the issue is with this team. O zone and D zone. When Sedin doesn't think twice about standing in front of the hawks net there is a problem. Not a fly by, just standing there. Even goalie33 and I can agree on that.

I don't get why most of you are freaking out. This was always gonna happen with this team due to salary cap and age. Those who thought this team should have won 4 or 5 cups is delusional to the fact of how hard it is to won one cup with all the luck with health and everything else that has to go a team's way. Losing to teams like Vancouver isn't that big of a surprise either, they are basically the Hawks without a great goalie. Older vets not what they once were with hard working kids mixed in
- GPHawksfan

Agreed & Bowman has made this mess!!!!

Net front presence is a huge part of what the issue is with this team. O zone and D zone. When Sedin doesn't think twice about standing in front of the hawks net there is a problem. Not a fly by, just standing there. Even goalie33 and I can agree on that.
- 6628

Agreed

BINGO!!!!

Let me know when 88 wins a big faceoff or kills a pk or blocks a shot
or is not the last one to leave the O zone

I'll wait


- Goalie-33

He's a winger. he doesn't take draws. You can't be serious.