Thank the Lord.

Dietz interview:

"I'm interested in doing hockey trades, but I'm not trying to look for a guy that's only got a couple months left (on his contract)," Bowman said.

Instead, Bowman's eye remains on the not-too-distant future.

"We want to be an elite team and we're not in that group right now," he said. "We're going to build to that. So we want to try to make progress for the rest of this year, over the summer and the same thing with next year.

"We're building to be an elite team. We've shown signs that things are trending in the right way. We still have more to go on that journey."
- walleyeb1

“This is certainly a very difficult decision. But I believe it is in the best interests of the Blackhawks organization. We need to maximize each and every opportunity with our playoff goals in mind and create continued growth and development throughout our roster at the same time. After much deliberation the last several days, with great respect to what Joel has meant to the Blackhawks, we knew we had to make a change. Bowman's quote above

As bad as they are, JC is playing guys to develop and they are still winning more games then losing

That is why they fired Q IMO. Even though they stated "We think we are a playoff team", they new that the team as structured was deficient, and win or lose they needed to start injecting new blood into the line-up. Q is of the mindset that he would play who he thought would give him the best chance to win that game, not what was best for the organization in the long term, the Keith "This is not a development league" mentality.

“This is certainly a very difficult decision. But I believe it is in the best interests of the Blackhawks organization. We need to maximize each and every opportunity with our playoff goals in mind and create continued growth and development throughout our roster at the same time. After much deliberation the last several days, with great respect to what Joel has meant to the Blackhawks, we knew we had to make a change. Bowman's quote above

As bad as they are, JC is playing guys to develop and they are still winning more games then losing
- BetweenTheDots

I think in some respects we have to consider JC like a player getting acclimated to the NHL. He is a rookie coach in the NHL and 45 games doesn't tell us everything. He isn't done learning or adjusting to his team. I think in most cases, coaches don't begin their career winning a ton. Partially because coaches usually take over teams with some issues and it takes time to get everyone on the same page. I haven't been a big JC supporter, but he is the head coach and time will tell if he is the guy they need.

You can add coaching brains to this list.
While never a fan of Q, I have seen enough of Colliton's work.

There is no way in hell you are going to win anything with a defensive scheme (not just the defensemen but forwards as well) with this setup. To say it's a cluster(frank) is putting it mildly.

Playing another "one of the worst" teams in the league and you put forth that type of effort? Might be mildly entertaining for the "drive-by" fan but for anyone that actually knows anything about the game, it was brutal to sit through.

This club, with this defensive scheme is so far away from winning a CUP that there shouldn't even be a conversation about when they will compete for one. Me thinks that JC's coaching abilities might be OK in the AHL or in Sweden but certainly don't move the needle in the NHL.

Nice try Blowman. Try again.
- savvyone-1

Ill give it time, many think Babcock is a great coach first year with the Leafs 29-42-11, Trotz first year coaching 28-47-7. The list goes on and on, i don't know what's being coached behind the scenes, but im betting it suppose to look more like the 1st period of defense versus the Red Wings than any of this other crap.

And if you blame him for this poor defense than you have to blame him for the great PP and now having 2 scoring lines.

I think in some respects we have to consider JC like a player getting acclimated to the NHL. He is a rookie coach in the NHL and 45 games doesn't tell us everything. He isn't done learning or adjusting to his team. I think in most cases, coaches don't begin their career winning a ton. Partially because coaches usually take over teams with some issues and it takes time to get everyone on the same page. I haven't been a big JC supporter, but he is the head coach and time will tell if he is the guy they need.
- breadbag

The assistant coaches Brookbank and Granato are inexperienced also.

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.
- DarthKane

Must be post #14

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.
- DarthKane

But 50% for a top 3. And the top 3 look very promising.

I was in the pro-tank camp, but that's unrealistic now. The Hawks have won many games and are playing with confidence. I can see them drafting between 9-16 this year.. Maybe the playoffs. Maybe...

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.
- DarthKane

On top of it is we can see he's got minimal defense to work with and they are still winning games.

We all female doged here for years about how can their PP be so bad with all this talent on it.

There's been at least 4 theories posted here on that Holland - Raddysh trade.

1.Holland is a UFA after this season and won't be re-signed opening up a spot on the 50 man roster. (Raddysh would have still been under contract after this year.)

2. Holland is a center and if Kruger or Anisimov is moved at the TDL he would provide some center depth and could be called up to fill a hole.

3. Stan wanted to add an AHL veteran to the Rockford lineup for their playoff push.

4. Moving Raddysh (and waiving Snuggerood last week) clears up the log jam of defenseman at Rockford and opens spots for other prospects.

I don't think anyone thinks Holland will be a contributor to the Hawks.
- boilermaker100

I agree with this statement, but there has to be some meaning behind the deal. My thinking would be consistent with 1, 3, and 4.

Must be post #14
- Ogilthorpe2

Nice LOL

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.
- DarthKane

You can see this team cares about one another and like playing together. Last night when they were leaving the ice and Toews was high fiving everyone he and Koekkoek kind of roughed each other up and were smiling. Chemistry means a lot to a team and this team hasn't had it since their last cup win. They do need to upgrade in areas but confidence and chemistry mean a lot.

Even if the team gets smoked in the first round of the playoffs it's still valuable experience. Battling back from being the worst team in the league to a playoff team is absolutely huge for the team's confidence, especially for the young guys on the team who've stepped up (i.e. Strome, DeBrincat, Kahun). They can take pride in what they accomplished and they've raised the bar on their expectations and what they can do.

I'm happy with the fact that the Hawks are playing better and their results show it too. I know the team has a long way to go but they are showing progress and that's what is important. Making the playoffs, regardless of outcome, is the best option for the team. For the record, I don't think the Hawks will go far, should they make the playoffs.

For those in the 'pro-tank' camp, keep in mind that even if they Hawks finish last there's a 81.5% chance they don't win the draft lottery and pick first overall.
- DarthKane

Picking 1st would be the best, obviously, but picking 2nd is just about as good this season because there are (currently) 2 guys clear cut above the rest and both would almost certainly be ready to step into the NHL next season - and that's the key because the Hawks need to speed up the "rebuild" before Toews and Kane decline. Many top of the draft take a season to settle in after they get to the NHL so if a draft pick takes a year or two to get to the NHL then it's 2 or 3 years before they would be a productive and integral part of a championship caliber team. Hughes and Kakko may be the only two guys in this draft capable of playing in the NHL next season.

It may be a moot point now anyway seeing as the Hawks could grab a wild card spot and be out of the draft lottery. So be it - all this winning is fun.

Zone Defense ?
- StutzBlackhawk

I vote yes.

The assistant coaches Brookbank and Granato are inexperienced also.
- LAHawk

I wouldnt be surprised if Granato heads back upstairs next year and an experienced Assistant Coach joins the crew.

Stan Bowman and John McDonagh to fans walking out of the UC last night.....





God damn that was fun. (frank)ing pond hockey, but a treat to watch. Had a few buddies at the game, was very jealous.

But 50% for a top 3. And the top 3 look very promising.

I was in the pro-tank camp, but that's unrealistic now. The Hawks have won many games and are playing with confidence. I can see them drafting between 9-16 this year.. Maybe the playoffs. Maybe...
- RedRevenge

True, but that's still not a guarantee. The same was thought of the 2017 draft class and the top 3 aren't anything special (especially #1 and #2).

So we should probably lock down the cat to an extension before he hits 40 tucks on the year

So we should probably lock down the cat to an extension before he hits 40 tucks on the year
- nickmo2699

He's getting signed this summer before he hits 50 goals next year

I wouldnt be surprised if Granato heads back upstairs next year and an experienced Assistant Coach joins the crew.
- Justin Lowe

As much as I couldnt stand the guy as a head coach, Jacques Martin could really help working with the large group of Dmen they have in Chicago and Rockford and the kids who will be incoming.

Wow that was nerve-wrecking exciting. If we can finish over .500 that would be quite an accomplishment for this season. Signing a solid D in the off-season and having a kid step up plus a year of Joki might go a long way toward getting us back at a regular in the playoffs.

Thoughts...

Not sure why we want to move Hayden unless we get a lot for him. At a reasonable price for now, he adds an element to the team we don’t have on the bottom 6 and isn’t that great of a liability.

Wow I like that Strome trade. He might be my favorite 17 since Wayne Presely… but see the below.

Perlini looks terrible out there, just skating up and down the ice. No hits, minus 2 and no shots I think. That 7th goal by Sens looked like he didn’t get back in time. With his 1st round bona fides, hopefully we can get something for him.

Sikura still looks like he needs more seasoning in the AHL. He looks a bit behind, like a half step or so behind the opposition. That giveaway in the 3rd while the team was changing was egregious.

Kruger is playing with fire and determination. Not 3 million a year fire and determination, but it’s still noticeably good.

Wow that defense is a hot mess. We don’t need scoring upfront as the highest priority, we need a solid D or 2. It’s either the D is caught up ice or they give too much space to opposing players in the slot and in front of the net. Can it be coached to close the gaps? That’s why our penalty killing is so weak. Even if he is a pylon and falls at least once a game, the D played noticeably worse without Seabrook back there. Can we recall Joki? Gus is an absolute train wreck in his own end, but heck, he can make some pretty plays and he’s part of the reason we can score so much.

The way Strome is playing, with less than a years experience in the NHL, he is our top 3 pick for this year, I forgot who mentioned it last night but with the number of points he has collected, he would lead the Yotes in scoring this year.

He's getting signed this summer before he hits 50 goals next year
- EnzoD

Honestly, his talent has more than made up for the loss of Panarin. He doesnt have the playmaking ability, but the kid is a straight up scorer. Adding Panarin makes our front end lethal, but after last night, we need two solid defensive defensman.

On a side note, that Chabot kid is silky!

Now sporting a stellar 3.72 GA per game for the season, I can see how everyone should be excited about a Blackhawk playoff berth. The only experience these guys will get in the playoffs is that they don't belong in the hunt yet, and a non-existent/ineffective defensive scheme gets rewarded for playing that way.

Think about this for a minute...They just gave up seven goals to the worst team in the league....

I still think water will seek its own level, and with seven games against other toilet bowl contenders the Avs, Stars and the Canucks, and single games against the cream of the West the Sharks, Jets and the Preds, the story will be told soon enough.

McD's desire to prove himself right about being a playoff team should result in both missing the playoffs and blowing a chance at a top three pick.

Again - they make more money focusing on dumping salary than getting 65% of the gate and merch/food/booze sales for two home games in round one.

Now sporting a stellar 3.72 GA per game for the season, I can see how everyone should be excited about a Blackhawk playoff berth. The only experience these guys will get in the playoffs is that they don't belong in the hunt yet, and a non-existent/ineffective defensive scheme gets rewarded for playing that way.

Think about this for a minute...They just gave up seven goals to the worst team in the league....

I still think water will seek its own level, and with seven games against other toilet bowl contenders the Avs, Stars and the Canucks, and single games against the cream of the West the Sharks, Jets and the Preds, the story will be told soon enough.

McD's desire to prove himself right about being a playoff team should result in both missing the playoffs and blowing a chance at a top three pick.

Again - they make more money focusing on dumping salary than getting 65% of the gate and merch/food/booze sales for two home games in round one.
- Return of the Roar

What exactly has McDonagh done to "prove himself right about being a playoff team"?? Bowman made some good LONG TERM hockey trades in acquiring Strome and Caggiulla who are both signed for 2 years on team friendly contracts. It turns out the Hawks are not one of the 5 worst teams in the NHL, are playing extremely high scoring and entertaining hockey every night, and are ONE POINT from 8th in the West and playoff birth. Will they win in the first round? HIGHLY unlikely. What exactly would you have done differently? You'd rather watch the Hawks play as they did in November-December just to draft a MAYBE impact player in this draft that lacks a McDavid/Matthews type talent??


I don't understand the people who are still on the tank train. IF, the Hawks start losing in bunches and they are close to top overall pick in March, I may get back onboard the tank train. But, as it stands today, they are a playoff bubble team in the very weak Western Conference. And all the teams at the top of the conference are serial chokers when it comes to the playoffs, so anything can happen, even if it is a prayer.


Hawks SHOULD get Crawford back soon and he is very likely a big upgrade over Ward/Delia.