Hi skillset doesn't matter at all in this discussion.
- BINGO!

Strome is a pure passer and I'd like to see him down low on the PP replacing Toews on PP1. He'll find a way to dish into that slot Right handed shooter instead of the constant attempt at the cross-ice pass for the 1 timer. Shaw scored the beautiful PP goal from that slot spot a few games ago and I don't believe it's been tried since.
- Hawkytalk

Ya but for that to happen first Kane has to pass the puck to him
he's always looking for Cat, option 1,2,3.

I don't either....but....

Aliu's obviously has something here, and has teammates backing him.

Hawks are claiming they knew nothing about it....

Id just like to see somebody in this town sack up and dig a little here. Reach out to a few players.....most of the cup winning 2010 team at some point was in Rockford with Aliu...Bolland, Versteeg, Fraser, Buff, etc so there are guys you can contact to see if they knew anything.
- SteveRain

This will never happen in todays world, especially when one's
paycheck relies on it not happening

You know these guys will never comment on it because any future opportunities in the NHL for them would dry up completely. They will just say they don't know Aliu or didn't see anything. Just like Dave Tippett never seeing any of Raffi Torres' antics on the ice. The NHL doesn't like public controversy and all of the employees know it.

Also, Aliu was a punk kid at the time, long forgotten. Lou Lamoriello is giving the same treatment to Josh Hosang only in a much more subtle way. Uncle Lou just makes players he doesn't like go away.
- RickJ

This

I want a different system on the PP....the pushback hasn't worked for awhile now. If it takes a lazy pass by 56 or 2 and leading to short handed goal against to completely abandon it...Im all for it.

A team with this much skill should be converting on a 20-22% clip consistently. Which would give them a top 10 PP

SInce 2008-09, they have had a top 10 PP, 3 times.
- SteveRain

cost them lots of games including playoff games.

it is the most disheartening to see, the other team scores on their pp in the 3rd to take the lead, the hawks get an opportunity in the 3rd with a pp to equalize the score, and usually the result is zilch and sometimes not even a good chance. Total crap

And the Hawks previous system of puck possession won multiple cups for them, and other teams that used that as well.

I'd rather win cups than make it to a conference final.

Did STL employ the amazing carolina system last year?

The point is, no "one system" is the end all/be all. It depends on your team make up and executing versus a single system that is only successful. Trying to fit a square box into a round hole is moronic. There are many systems to use that can and are successful.

Its great that CAR's system got then 7th place in the standings last year and let them have some upsets in the playoffs. Upsets happen often in hockey playoffs. But their "system" isnt some amazing unparalleled play that must be followed
- PatShart

That puck possession system hasn’t worked since 2015. Carolina, Islanders, Capitals, Predators, etc are all employing a system which is proving to be the best. JC tried to implement it here, the veterans complained, fans complained etc. Tampa is just implementing the system this season and they are struggling in the standings but they are ahead of the curve. We too were struggling to start the season it was expected, but a bunch whiners complained there isn’t enough scoring, the game is boring, blah, blah.

Until the veterans man up and start to evolve with the league, they will be lucky to make the playoffs.

That puck possession system hasn’t worked since 2015. Carolina, Islanders, Capitals, Predators, etc are all employing a system which is proving to be the best. JC tried to implement it here, the veterans complained, fans complained etc. Tampa is just implementing the system this season and they are struggling in the standings but they are ahead of the curve. We too were struggling to start the season it was expected, but a bunch whiners complained there isn’t enough scoring, the game is boring, blah, blah.

Until the veterans man up and start to evolve with the league, they will be lucky to make the playoffs.
- gifman

Do the Hawks have enough speed and quickness to work that scheme?

That puck possession system hasn’t worked since 2015. Carolina, Islanders, Capitals, Predators, etc are all employing a system which is proving to be the best. JC tried to implement it here, the veterans complained, fans complained etc. Tampa is just implementing the system this season and they are struggling in the standings but they are ahead of the curve. We too were struggling to start the season it was expected, but a bunch whiners complained there isn’t enough scoring, the game is boring, blah, blah.

Until the veterans man up and start to evolve with the league, they will be lucky to make the playoffs.
- gifman

What system did STL run last year? As they won the cup, I would think they were the best

And is there only one single system all teams must employ in order to be successful?

Do the Hawks have enough speed and quickness to work that scheme?
- StLBravesFan

Honestly I don’t know. I’m not a talent evaluator but I have to surmise that we have most of the parts to do so. Seabrook obviously doesn’t have that quickness or speed. Maatta too. It’s just funny that 2 lines at the beginning of the season excelled and the other 2 didn’t. So maybe 50/50 on the forwards. Problem is the veterans like Kane like scoring and this new system isn’t a me system, it’s a we system.

Right now I view the Blackhawks as a mess. They need to make hard choices. Evolve or play to get in the playoffs like in the 80s. Always falling short. I call it Pulford hockey.

It’s time for a culture change on Madison. They need to evolve.

Aliu's locker room incident from 10 years ago have been corroborated by 2 Rockford teammates. So unless they are not telling the truth and have an ax to grind against Peters or are part of a get Peters conspiracy (which I doubt), Peters has to go.

Nothing proven about what McD and Bowman did or did not know. Aliu says Peters wrote them suggesting Aliu get demoted to the ECHL. Now I don't know the process for players to be demoted. So maybe a letter (or email) is standard operating procedure, providing reasons as to why a player needs to be demoted. I doubt if Peters described the racial slur, maybe said Aliu was not a good team mate, a cancer in the club house, wasn't taking coaching advice, whatever. Maybe they were some other back and forth communications and Stan accepted Peters' comments on Aliu and approved the demotion. Again not knowing how a front office works with a minor league coach regarding player development, what else were they supposed to do? Were Stan and McD obligated at that time to interview Aliu and get his side of the story or go along with the coach's recommendations?

It's easy to say, 10 years after the fact, that McD or Stan were possible accomplices in the matter and may have swept the incident under the rug. In fact I don't even read that into Aliu's tweet. All he said is a letter was written to them.

As for the press approaching Versteeg, Bolland or other Hawks on that Rockford club, I doubt if they'll go on record. Maybe they adhere to the old "what happens in the clubhouse, stays in the clubhouse" adage. And as others pointed out, they may not want to say anything because of potential employment opportunities within the organization.

I'm watching the talking heads on the NHL Network channel. They say Peters is good as gone. I bet the phone lines between Calgary and Chicago are burning up with Calgary's front office trying to find out all they can from Chicago about Peters' time in Rockford.

What system did STL run last year? As they won the cup, I would think they were the best

And is there only one single system all teams must employ in order to be successful?
- PatShart

I’m not sure what they did last year as I didn’t watch them play. There are, like you said multiple systems, but one is dominating. Look at the results of Qs puck possession system versus Carolina. They haven’t won yet.

Aliu's locker room incident from 10 years ago have been corroborated by 2 Rockford team mates. So unless they are not telling the truth and have an ax to grind against Peters or are part of a get Peters conspiracy (which I doubt), Peters has to go.

Nothing proven about what McD and Bowman did or did not know. Aliu says Peters wrote them suggesting Aliu get demoted to the ECHL. Now I don't know the process for players to be demoted. So maybe a letter (or email) is standard operating procedure, providing reasons as to why a player needs to be demoted. I doubt if Peters described the racial slur, maybe said Aliu was not a good team mate, a cancer in the club house, wasn't taking coaching advice, whatever. Maybe they were some other back and forth communications and Stan accepted Peter's comments on Aliu and approved the demotion. Again not knowing how a front office works with a minor league coach regarding player development, what else were they supposed to do? Were Stan and McD obligated at that time to interview Aliu and get his side of the story or go along with the coach's recommendations?

It's easy to say, 10 years after the fact, that McD or Stan were possible accomplices in the matter and may have swept the incident under the rug. In fact I don't even read that into Aliu's tweet. All he said is a letter was written to them.

As for the press approaching Versteeg, Bolland or other Hawks on that Rockford club, I doubt if they'll go on record. Maybe they adhere to the old "what happens in the clubhouse, stays in the clubhouse" adage. And as others pointed out, they may not want to say anything because of potential employment opportunities within the organization.

I'm watching the talking heads on the NHL Network channel. They say Peters is good as gone. I bet the phone lines between Calgary and Chicago are burning up with Calgary's front office trying to find out all they can from Chicago about Peters' time in Rockford.
- boilermaker100

I seem to recall Akim Aliu had a bad reputation when Uncle Dale drafted him 2007. Always had a chip on his shoulder.

I seem to recall Akim Aliu had a bad reputation when Uncle Dale drafted him 2007. Always had a chip on his shoulder.
- gifman

More than likely considering if what I read about what he went through is true. And can one blame him for that?

cost them lots of games including playoff games.

it is the most disheartening to see, the other team scores on their pp in the 3rd to take the lead, the hawks get an opportunity in the 3rd with a pp to equalize the score, and usually the result is zilch and sometimes not even a good chance. Total crap
- Topshelf2010

100% agreed....and its beyond frustrating.

I have turned off games and then turned them back when Hawks go on THE pp or PK as I just can't stomach it much more.

What system did STL run last year? As they won the cup, I would think they were the best

And is there only one single system all teams must employ in order to be successful?
- PatShart

Systems over 82 games can have success but not work in a shortened series....Perfect example is Tampa Bay last year.

Now playing Devil's advocate, to grind away and play a very heavy brand of hockey usually doesn't equate to regular season success.....

I think there is a happy medium somewhere in between.

I also think having a vaunted special teams also gives you a lot of slack and the hawks really need to evaluate both their PK and PP.....not only system wise but personnel wise and how they are using their pieces.

The one thing I notice is they don't have the guy in the middle in the soft spot that finish the way Washington did the in the past...believe it was Oshie who would hang in the slot and come down and use that triangle type to bang in point blank shots...really puts the onus on the defensive team to stay in lanes etc down low...

100% agreed....and its beyond frustrating.

I have turned off games and then turned them back when Hawks go on THE pp or PK as I just can't stomach it much more.
- SteveRain

Hawks are 9 for 72 on the PP a whopping 12.5%. 5 more successful power plays would put them at a respectable 20% and those 5 goals probably would have contributed to few more wins and several points in the standing.

Aliu's locker room incident from 10 years ago have been corroborated by 2 Rockford teammates. So unless they are not telling the truth and have an ax to grind against Peters or are part of a get Peters conspiracy (which I doubt), Peters has to go.

Nothing proven about what McD and Bowman did or did not know. Aliu says Peters wrote them suggesting Aliu get demoted to the ECHL. Now I don't know the process for players to be demoted. So maybe a letter (or email) is standard operating procedure, providing reasons as to why a player needs to be demoted. I doubt if Peters described the racial slur, maybe said Aliu was not a good team mate, a cancer in the club house, wasn't taking coaching advice, whatever. Maybe they were some other back and forth communications and Stan accepted Peters' comments on Aliu and approved the demotion. Again not knowing how a front office works with a minor league coach regarding player development, what else were they supposed to do? Were Stan and McD obligated at that time to interview Aliu and get his side of the story or go along with the coach's recommendations?

It's easy to say, 10 years after the fact, that McD or Stan were possible accomplices in the matter and may have swept the incident under the rug. In fact I don't even read that into Aliu's tweet. All he said is a letter was written to them.

As for the press approaching Versteeg, Bolland or other Hawks on that Rockford club, I doubt if they'll go on record. Maybe they adhere to the old "what happens in the clubhouse, stays in the clubhouse" adage. And as others pointed out, they may not want to say anything because of potential employment opportunities within the organization.

I'm watching the talking heads on the NHL Network channel. They say Peters is good as gone. I bet the phone lines between Calgary and Chicago are burning up with Calgary's front office trying to find out all they can from Chicago about Peters' time in Rockford.
- boilermaker100

I don't disagree...it would just be nice to see a media guy even on twitter say "For the record I reached out to a few players in the organization and was not able to verify what Aliu said. Doesn't mean Aliu isn't 100% telling the truth, just that I can't verify it..."

ITs that simple. hell....lie to me, but the frustration lies in not even attempting to do a thing when some of the guys, looking at you Lazerus, love to play the all high and mighty card yet when it comes down to their part.....they fold.

Peters should be terminated asap. Hawks won't verify anything as they kept him employed. Fact Aliu has ex teammates verifying it is good enough.

Sorry - misread your intent.

I don't know what to think about McD and Bowman concerning this incident at this point.
- StLBravesFan

I don't either. But I'd be shocked if any of those guys wrote a letter from Rockford to Chicago. Even ten years ago.

His story has been corroborated by two different teammates.
- BINGO!

Peters coached in Carolina, didn't he? You are all over those guys, anything about him there?


Sorry, Jordan wasn't in Rockford, he was in Carolina. Never mind.

Hawks are 9 for 72 on the PP a whopping 12.5%. 5 more successful power plays would put them at a respectable 20% and those 5 goals probably would have contributed to few more wins and several points in the standing.
- boilermaker100

Take the PP struggles and PK struggles and you probably easily get another 6-8 points out of it.

Or maybe a shot clock, where they give up posession if they do not shoot within say 40 seconds?
- LAHawk

How's 20 seconds? 30 tops.

I still think it's best to let the whole "story" come out - on both sides

For ever coach that is a jackass there are countless players/parents (at amateur levels) that have ZERO problem making up stories about coaches they dont like...because they dont get the ice time they want, get cut from the team, etc. - and there is no repercussions for them.
- PatShart

Good post Shart, that bullpoop is a thing too.

Peters coached in Carolina, didn't he? You are all over those guys, anything about him there?
- 6628

Yes.

Not racial, but Michal Jordan came out and claimed he was physically abusive, hitting guys multiple times. A current Canes defenseman who preferred to remain anonymous confirmed the story.

I know he is greatly disliked by a lot of current/former players, and Rod Brind'amour is certainly not a fan, but not sure who all knew what yet. That's going to come to a head soon.

players are saying one guy in particular who suffered a lot of abuse at Bill's hands, but that it's up to that individual to come forward if they want to tell their story.

Seattle might need a new GM

Mark Armstrong
@ArmstrongABC11
Per a Hurricanes source -- the player leadership group at the time and other staff members made Ron Francis aware of their concerns about Bill Peters conduct. Obviously - no change was made.

Seattle might need a new GM

Mark Armstrong
@ArmstrongABC11
Per a Hurricanes source -- the player leadership group at the time and other staff members made Ron Francis aware of their concerns about Bill Peters conduct. Obviously - no change was made.
- BINGO!

Because the anonymous Hurricane source is always credible and doesnt have their own agenda.

Was "a hurricane source" in the meeting with Ron Francis and the the player leadership group? Then with Peters and Francis? Then Francis and ownership?