I’m with ya on “ Couts”. I watch a lot of the flyer games, most fans have a second team that they like , mine is the Flyers, no surprise there .
With that being said I don’t know how many of you guys Feel that Stan Bowmans comments in the Chicago tribune the other day about the state of the team, Almost sounded to me like he felt too comfortable in his job and like his bosses and the fans should be satisfied where everything is at. Now unless Rocky and John gave him a ringing endorsement Behind closed doors along with his little buddy behind the bench, I would think there should be a sense of urgency and it should be getting hot around his collar. Personally if this team does not make the playoffs I would like to see sweeping changes, from the general manager on down.
- wonthecup10

I know you would prefer he be gone yesterday and as a season ticket holder, doing everything to get back to the playoffs.

If I have that wrong my apologies. Idk if he's too comfortable but I'd rather that than him making moves out of desperation. Definitely don't want him trading anyone who figures into the future plan for a short term playoff payoff this season. JMO.

Rick Vaive. Good ole #27. Wore that half-bowling ball Cooper helmet. Another of those players in the Hall of Very Good.

The Hawks almost always tried to get a season or two of productivity out of guys past there prime. Vaive, Michel Goulet, Steve Smith, Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Wendel Clark.

Dollar Bill Wirtz just trying to get people in the seats.
- Rota's Rooter

It worked ok with the first three. I'd have to look but I don't think any of the latter three even had a full season in Chicago...maybe Clark.

From Powers, yesterday.

We can talk about the Blackhawks’ inconsistencies. With every good period usually comes a bad one.

We can discuss their woeful power play. They’re currently 29th in the league.

We can get into their struggling third defenseman pairing. Olli Maatta and Dennis Gilbert had a 31.25 Corsi percentage Tuesday and have a 36.20 percentage in nearly 100 minutes together this season.

It worked ok with the first three. I'd have to look but I don't think any of the latter three even had a full season in Chicago...maybe Clark.
- HawkintheD

Clark only played about a dozen regular season games. He knew his body was done and he said no mas.

From Powers, yesterday.

We can talk about the Blackhawks’ inconsistencies. With every good period usually comes a bad one.

We can discuss their woeful power play. They’re currently 29th in the league.

We can get into their struggling third defenseman pairing. Olli Maatta and Dennis Gilbert had a 31.25 Corsi percentage Tuesday and have a 36.20 percentage in nearly 100 minutes together this season.
- scottak

Remember... Bowman has analytics that are better than corsi.

I am far from an expert, but they are trying to build his awareness and hockey IQ that isn't involved in the attack.

He has to learn lots, and you know what?, he may have the flu, is worn down or still thinking as opposed to the more instinct ways he can generate and finish...
- wiz1901

Or, maybe he doesn’t have the heart, or the desire, or the willingness to work & play hard. Sort of who the BUF fans told us he was, and why he couldn’t stay on the Sabre roster.

Powers again.

Even now, the odds are well against the Blackhawks. Before Tuesday’s game, Dom Luszczyszyn’s projection model gave the Blackhawks a 19 percent chance of making the playoffs. He also wrote a more detailed story Tuesday explaining how the Blackhawks had an easier schedule in the second half of the season, but he ultimately felt they’d finish somewhere around 85 points.

Beyond that, I also bothered him on our Slack channel Wednesday and asked what the Blackhawks would need to do to become a playoff team in his model.

“They need to play like a 100-105-point team the rest of the way,” he wrote. “I have them at 88, so like six wins of value.”

He went on to explain his model would look more positively on the Blackhawks if their young guys continued progressing, Zack Smith got less ice time, Patrick Kane played better defensively, Alex DeBrincat scored more, the power play figured things out and their goalies kept playing the way they have.

I’m with ya on “ Couts”. I watch a lot of the flyer games, most fans have a second team that they like , mine is the Flyers, no surprise there .
With that being said I don’t know how many of you guys Feel that Stan Bowmans comments in the Chicago tribune the other day about the state of the team, Almost sounded to me like he felt too comfortable in his job and like his bosses and the fans should be satisfied where everything is at. Now unless Rocky and John gave him a ringing endorsement Behind closed doors along with his little buddy behind the bench, I would think there should be a sense of urgency and it should be getting hot around his collar. Personally if this team does not make the playoffs I would like to see sweeping changes, from the general manager on down.
- wonthecup10

My suspicion is that the collar is always hot working for McD.

From Powers, yesterday.

We can talk about the Blackhawks’ inconsistencies. With every good period usually comes a bad one.

We can discuss their woeful power play. They’re currently 29th in the league.

We can get into their struggling third defenseman pairing. Olli Maatta and Dennis Gilbert had a 31.25 Corsi percentage Tuesday and have a 36.20 percentage in nearly 100 minutes together this season.
- scottak

What was the Corsi of Olli and Seabrook? I suspect it was better than that.

Remember... Bowman has analytics that are better than corsi.
- tazer_and_diet

He does.

Powers again.

Even now, the odds are well against the Blackhawks. Before Tuesday’s game, Dom Luszczyszyn’s projection model gave the Blackhawks a 19 percent chance of making the playoffs. He also wrote a more detailed story Tuesday explaining how the Blackhawks had an easier schedule in the second half of the season, but he ultimately felt they’d finish somewhere around 85 points.

Beyond that, I also bothered him on our Slack channel Wednesday and asked what the Blackhawks would need to do to become a playoff team in his model.

“They need to play like a 100-105-point team the rest of the way,” he wrote. “I have them at 88, so like six wins of value.”

He went on to explain his model would look more positively on the Blackhawks if their young guys continued progressing, Zack Smith got less ice time, Patrick Kane played better defensively, Alex DeBrincat scored more, the power play figured things out and their goalies kept playing the way they have.
- scottak

Is that all?

Is that all?
- mohel

2-3 days of solid practice time, and they could have that all straightened out.

Powers again.

Even now, the odds are well against the Blackhawks. Before Tuesday’s game, Dom Luszczyszyn’s projection model gave the Blackhawks a 19 percent chance of making the playoffs. He also wrote a more detailed story Tuesday explaining how the Blackhawks had an easier schedule in the second half of the season, but he ultimately felt they’d finish somewhere around 85 points.

Beyond that, I also bothered him on our Slack channel Wednesday and asked what the Blackhawks would need to do to become a playoff team in his model.

“They need to play like a 100-105-point team the rest of the way,” he wrote. “I have them at 88, so like six wins of value.”

He went on to explain his model would look more positively on the Blackhawks if their young guys continued progressing, Zack Smith got less ice time, Patrick Kane played better defensively, Alex DeBrincat scored more, the power play figured things out and their goalies kept playing the way they have.
- scottak

He's not generally wrong. However, IIRC in Dom's early analyses, he uses the same measuring stick/model for every single skater. Therefore, he had Kane listed as the 31st best forward in the NHL or something crazy like that. Kane's lack of a well-rounded 200-ft game is not what has cost this team points. Dom's a guy who worships at the altar of advanced stats to the detriment of his overall credibility.

What Q understood so well and what guys like Dom, and I fear JC, ignore is that there are specific roles that have to be filled on a hockey team and not all players have to play the same way for a team to win. While an individual might not measure up on the "best statistical player rating model ever," he's invaluable to the team's success. For example, Kruger during the latter Cup runs and Kane in what he still does. Another example: Stan was smart to bring in Carpenter. He's not lighting the statistical world on fire, but he damn sure has helped this team drag their woeful PK out of the basement to make it one of the tops in the NHL.

Or, maybe he doesn’t have the heart, or the desire, or the willingness to work & play hard. Sort of who the BUF fans told us he was, and why he couldn’t stay on the Sabre roster.
- scottak

Or maybe he just ain't that good. Wouldn't be the first time a team/GM/scout has missed on a high draft pick.

I know you would prefer he be gone yesterday and as a season ticket holder, doing everything to get back to the playoffs.

If I have that wrong my apologies. Idk if he's too comfortable but I'd rather that than him making moves out of desperation. Definitely don't want him trading anyone who figures into the future plan for a short term playoff payoff this season. JMO.
- HawkintheD

I realize loosing way too much after three glorious Cups followed by the team recapturing a competitive edge after the first two Cups.........leaves us severely disappointed and finger pointing for culpability. When the team is not focused on playing tough physical brand then all the more reason to be irate.

This characterizes wortheCup. And he has some good comments and analysis here but just please realize this GS are probably not like you imagine they are

Rebuild on the fly is painful and takes longer when you do not tear down completely and moreover two bad contracts (for term in particular) was doled out in happier moments than right now

Look I am not a Bowman apologetic and I do strongly believe he was on firm group d until the new coach had the team in a real on ice funk.

Rocky and McDonough have been around for a long time and IMHO accept the peaks and valleys associated with the great success. Somehow they said or Bowman learned that Rocky wants ticket revenue to not dry up so that takes pecedence over everything else. It meant being competitive enough so that fans continue to pass through turnstyles.

And please to those who like to fantasize about a rebuild which includes Kane's departure, enjoy even rationale trade proposals for the fun of discussion but know there is no way he is traded. He is your only superstar on the team and you cannot get fair value even if you moved him. Perhaps after a few years the trade might balance out but we loose our hope to win and our desire to see the team when we no longer have a star player on the roster.

It would be more catostrophic than Hull's leaving in this way: the team was still good immediately after Hull left but we would be a sad sack bunch with narry a moment to enjoy even a hint of success with no star attraction. It becomes too painful to watch and dream better days are close at hand.

The defense will become a modern exciting bunch and the next two drafts simply must bring forth top line offensive talent.

Bowman will be fine to improve the personnel ad long as he doesn't put himself in a bind (loosing Teravainen).
He actually has a good draft record the past few years.

Bottom line forwards and dmen in house addition will energize the team All aboard then as we start improving.

In hindsight you can blame Stan for taking the risk and acquiring players with injury histories. But had they stayed healthy he would have put together a pretty good roster.

Kubalik Toews Dach
ADB Strome Kane
Saad Kampf Shaw
Caggiula Carpenter Smith
Nylander/Sikura/Q

Keith Boqvist
deHaan Murphy
Maata Seabs
K4, Gus

Lehner
Crow

why do you post and interact with others opinions "if you don't care"...and now its time for name calling...

is this your style of dialogue and engagement with everyone you disagree with..
- bogiedoc

I usually don't, you can go back and look how many times I've posted on here since 2011 even though I read the site daily. But Ogi is a homegrown troll and usually only interjects to disrespect people so I felt compelled to say something. Fair enough?

Saad , I will give you, respectfully disagree with the other two. Hopefully Dylan Strome pans out, But everybody is already thinking that other kid is the second coming of Marian Hossa, I’ll take Kevin Hayes over Dominic Kubalik.
As far as the doe, He’s a young kid I’m sure he has a few 30 goal seasons on the horizon. He’s surrounded with better players in Philly minus 19&88,And definitely a better coach.
- wonthecup10

Kubalik has 23 points in 43 games. Cost 1M

Kevin Hayes has 24 in 43 games. Cost 7M

Sorry but your team would suck

Respectfully disagree with your respectful disagreement.

Strome's 22 and panning out better than K. Hayes did as a 22 year old or a 27 year old, which is what he currently is...a 27 yo who has eclipsed 20 goals exactly once in his career. Are you saying K. Hayes has a couple 30 goal seasons on the horizon? Remains to be seen but he better, to be worth what he signed for.

I know you're a size and toughness guy...other than 2 inches and a couple hits a game what does Hayes give you over Strome?

Strome's a tall lanky kid who is still filling out. He looks a little faster, better on his skates this year and a bit tougher to knock off the puck...and like Kane and some other guys, he's a hockey junkie who seems to only want to improve at his craft.

Maybe some guys were chubbing over the Hossa comparisons early on but I don't see them anymore with Kubalik. That said, he's still a good player and likely to crack 20 goals in his first season as a 24 yo coming over from what...the Swiss Elite League? Also, figure it took Colliton a while to finally put him in the top 6 and stick him on Toews' wing...where I would take him over Kevin Hayes and he's likely to cost $3M or slightly north vs K. Hayes making $7M+ for the next 6 years after this one.

Like I said, change it to Couturier and I think your statement would have some merit. Kevin Hayes? Nah.
- HawkintheD

Hayes and tough don't belong in the same sentence. Strome has already eclipsed Hayes best season. TBF, Hayes is a damn good penalty killer but I would still take Strome.

Hayes and tough don't belong in the same sentence. Strome has already eclipsed Hayes best season. TBF, Hayes is a damn good penalty killer but I would still take Strome.
- Elbows15

$7 mil. Is a lot of money for a 3rd lime center/ damn good penalty killer.

$7 mil. Is a lot of money for a 3rd lime center/ damn good penalty killer.
- LAHawk

I would have loved to add Hayes to the fold to help the PK out and add depth up the middle...but yeah at 7M a year respectfully so...F#%$ THAT. Idk wtf Philly was thinking handing him that contract.

After reading all those pages after being at a convention...I may need to fire up my old Don Cherry "Rock'em Sock'em" video cassette.

Back in the 80s/90s fighting was needed to protect skill players as every team had clowns who couldn't skate but would just go out and start crap. Bob Probert was the exception to the rule as he actually had some skill and if you took early 90s probert and transported him to today's game....I still think he would be serviceable.

The tool is still needed when cheap shots occur but the John Scott's of the world are long gone.....and to be honest watching John SCott live beat the hell out of a guy like Ryan Reaves, was satisfying.

Bowman Presser: For me....just pick a lane. He isn't goign to announce all his plans but how many teams in the NHL "hang around" the playoffs even though realistically they have zero shot of making it? Baring a 10 game unbeaten streak, our Hawks, fit the mold. They are still close, but does anyone here actually have confidence they will go say.....8-0-2 any time soon given their young roster, injuries, horrific PP, and in game mind lapses? I just dont' see it.

Nylander: Could be a kid who got to the show purely on skill....and now needs to ramp up the mental game....getting to places where the puck will go.....proactive instead of reactive. Way too young to launch into the sun and very well could be a Kris Versteeg clone as years go by.....

Outside of that....play the young kids....get them experience....solidfy lines and start getting your future players comfortable skating with each other.....there is NO need for a line blender approach.

IMO.....once 17 is back....skate 19 and 88 with Kubalik, and put Dach between 17 and 12.

Trades.....Id listen on Saad...he is quality 3rd line player on a championship team but this team doesn't need him right NOW.....and for the love of god.....please dump Gus before he is killed by his own goaltenders.

$7 mil. Is a lot of money for a 3rd lime center/ damn good penalty killer.
- LAHawk

Hope everyone remembers that when Saad wants 7+ million on his next deal.....

He's already at 6 million.

Hope everyone remembers that when Saad wants 7+ million on his next deal.....

He's already at 6 million.
- SteveRain

In my book, Saad is better than Hayes.

But I'm not giving him $7M if I'm Stan.

Nylander: Could be a kid who got to the show purely on skill....and now needs to ramp up the mental game....getting to places where the puck will go.....proactive instead of reactive. Way too young to launch into the sun and very well could be a Kris Versteeg clone as years go by.....


- SteveRain

Agree.