Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Another One Down
Author Message
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 4 @ 10:02 PM ET
Unless there was an understanding that this was going to be year to take step back and rebuild with youth, I have no idea how Bowman can have a job after game 82.....

Murphy is a bottom pair D.
Saad is scoring like a 3rd liner and being paid like a 1sr liner.
Panarin, Hjalmarsson, Danault, Johns, Leddy, and Teravainen all playing big roles on their respective teams. What does Stan have to show for that NHL talent shipped out? NADA!

Sharp is done, Forsberg is not getting much help but definitely looks like Korpisalo in CBJ was the better Goalie behind Bobrovsky.

I think the consensus here that Bowman will be back is likely correct, but I do not agree that it is justified or the correct decision. Two first round bounces, then Stan finally makes moves to take ownership of the roster...and they are last in the division and looking at a Top 5 draft position.

We talk about a lack of accountability from the players, and that's correct, where is the accountability for this nosedive of a franchise??

A better GM would have managed assets, the salary cap, and drafting to maintain a playoff team until
19+88 were well into their 30s. You simply can't miss on so many defense draft picks or send so much legit talent away for NOTHING....that poor drafting and bleeding of talent finally caught up
to the Hawks, and we all see the results.

Q has blame too, but the talent he's been forced to work with on defense is laughable.
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Mar 4 @ 10:21 PM ET
Unless there was an understanding that this was going to be year to take step back and rebuild with youth, I have no idea how Bowman can have a job after game 82.....

Murphy is a bottom pair D.
Saad is scoring like a 3rd liner and being paid like a 1sr liner.
Panarin, Hjalmarsson, Danault, Johns, Leddy, and Teravainen all playing big roles on their respective teams. What does Stan have to show for that NHL talent shipped out? NADA!

Sharp is done, Forsberg is not getting much help but definitely looks like Korpisalo in CBJ was the better Goalie behind Bobrovsky.

I think the consensus here that Bowman will be back is likely correct, but I do not agree that it is justified or the correct decision. Two first round bounces, then Stan finally makes moves to take ownership of the roster...and they are last in the division and looking at a Top 5 draft position.

We talk about a lack of accountability from the players, and that's correct, where is the accountability for this nosedive of a franchise??

A better GM would have managed assets, the salary cap, and drafting to maintain a playoff team until
19+88 were well into their 30s. You simply can't miss on so many defense draft picks or send so much legit talent away for NOTHING....that poor drafting and bleeding of talent finally caught up
to the Hawks, and we all see the results.

Q has blame too, but the talent he's been forced to work with on defense is laughable.

- EnzoD


Enzo, I can't disagree with most of your post -- except for the highlighted part.
IMO, Q can take the blame for the D being in shambles.
Yes, he doesn't trade or sign players.
But . . . he DOES control their ice time and whether they are benched (in the lineup and f up on a play) or are press-boxed.

Of course, Blowman can see this -- and has acted/reacted accordingly.

I believe it's Q's call as to who is called up.
It's Q's call as to who is benched.
It's Q's call as to who gets press-boxed.

There isn't a single soul alive that can convince me Q didn't have a huge part in Leddy getting traded. After all, Q loved his dinosaurs and would rather have had Rozy, bad wheels and all or Oduya, broken ankle and all. The b.s about his next contract was just that, b.s.

Let's move on to Kempny, another guy with tons of raw athletic ability and what do we see? We see the guy press-boxed incessantly instead of working through whatever growing pains would be there to have #6 fill a 2nd pair slot. Instead, we have guys that not only don't hit but also cannot do much else. Gus is nothing more than an AHL lifer. No other Cup-contending club is skating that guy in their top 3 pairs. Dahlstrom? Creampuff. Oesterle? Same.

No, IMO, Q has brought the D problem on just as much as Blowman. Never gave Stephen Johns a sniff here. The guy has helped make his own bed. And there must be some real locker room issues with guys on ELC seeing what the "core" is earning, how they are playing and seeing no repercussions. How long would Q have sat Kempny if he were still here and made those 2 giveaways in San Jose?

I'm done with Q and with Blowman.
And no way do I trust either of them to use those draft picks wisely.
Need to clean house.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Mar 4 @ 10:37 PM ET
There should be change, but realistically I don’t expect either to go.

Obviously the summer is best spent as Stanley Cup Champions, but summer will still be very interesting. I know Stan said there would be minimal changes, but he needs to overhaul the defense. Keith is the only guy I’d want back 100%, Seabrook and Murphy will likely be back too. Everyone else can go as far as I’m concerned. Maybe Rutta or Oesterle return as the 7D, but even then I’d like to see him in Rockford. Forsling might be an option, but I don’t expect Jokiharju to be NHL ready.

I thought Hartman would have been dealt for help on defense. We should expect a trade to help defense, it could cost a good young forward.

- DarthKane


There is not really another option. A trade for a dman would prove costly if you want a good reargusrd added to this blueline crew. Perhaps of minor consolation would be the extent of options shoud Sikula show well and next fall if a prospect comes over and works well under Samuelson. That would be Carlsson. You are probably correct about Jokiharju.

It is discouraging to think that Dahlstrom is meant as a third pair and the others are expected to improve. You can cross your fingers that Seabrook might be a tad better if he trains over the summer. And you can hope that Murphy settles in as a third pair......but if Q is here still the defense is a mess. I do believe that Rutta has ability but like Gus and Oesterle he must have the correct partner. Forsling in all liklihood should develop irregardless if he spends more time in Rockford. He is another whom.should not be put with a non physical partner in their pair.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Mar 4 @ 10:40 PM ET
“Obviously, me and [Seabrook] have been here the longest, so we definitely shoulder a lot of the blame in that,” Keith said. “I have to be better for this team. It’s been tough, and it’s been a challenging year, obviously, so far. Especially the last couple months.”

“We have some good stretches where we play pretty good, but then [there’s] a little breakdown or something that’s in the back of the net,” Keith said. “It seems like every little mistake we make is costing us.”

These comments from Keith are deeply troubling:

1. The first comment we have been hearing from him for 3 months...maybe like toews, after the season we hear what the hell has been his problem all year. Something is way off with him and i don't think its just "losing a step" or a chronic knee problem.

2. The good stretches have lasted for what 10-20 minutes a game..."every little mistake"...holy poop the mistakes and lazy unforced errors have been epic this year...

all four goalies have been left on an island the whole year...at times they did head stands but more often than not they could not stop the onslaught of break aways, odd man, weak outlets, give aways, poor defensive zone coverage.

Keith is delusional to label these little mistakes...
Larsson_fan
Edmonton Oilers
Joined: 10.08.2016

Mar 4 @ 10:45 PM ET
Serious question, would the Hawks like be interested in trading Duncan Keith at his age and contract length for picks and prospects?
Dieselhead
Location: CA
Joined: 11.01.2011

Mar 4 @ 10:51 PM ET
Serious question, would the Hawks like be interested in trading Duncan Keith at his age and contract length for picks and prospects?
- Larsson_fan


No, but we'll give you Seabrook for a roll of tape.
Larsson_fan
Edmonton Oilers
Joined: 10.08.2016

Mar 4 @ 10:55 PM ET
No, but we'll give you Seabrook for a roll of tape.
- Dieselhead

I’m sure you would like to dump Seabrook , but teams aren’t gonna be nearly as interested.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Mar 4 @ 10:56 PM ET
Serious question, would the Hawks like be interested in trading Duncan Keith at his age and contract length for picks and prospects?
- Larsson_fan


i hope not...despite his age and a down year he is still a top 2 guy and a very cap friendly contract...


bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Mar 4 @ 10:57 PM ET
No, but we'll give you Seabrook for a roll of tape.
- Dieselhead


throw in a few sticks = DONE...
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Mar 4 @ 10:57 PM ET
I’m sure you would like to dump Seabrook , but teams aren’t gonna be nearly as interested.
- Larsson_fan


Teams won't be AT ALL interested in Seabrook. He looks done to me.
Dieselhead
Location: CA
Joined: 11.01.2011

Mar 4 @ 11:01 PM ET
throw in a few sticks = DONE...
- bogiedoc


Overpay.
Larsson_fan
Edmonton Oilers
Joined: 10.08.2016

Mar 4 @ 11:06 PM ET
i hope not...despite his age and a down year he is still a top 2 guy and a very cap friendly contract...
- bogiedoc

That’s fair, I didn’t think the Hawks would actively shop him for a couple more years anyway. As rough a year as he’s having I think he could still help a team like the Oilers for at least a few seasons. Even though the Ass end of that contract would hurt, it would still be worth Yamamoto or Pullijarvii+ our 2018 1st and a good prospect like Ethan Bear or Caleb Jones....to us anyway.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Mar 4 @ 11:20 PM ET
It's going to a long road back to Cup contention. Need to get an entire first line, an entire defense core, and a backup goalie. That takes 5 years, if not more.
- EnzoD


I'm actually torn about the next steps the Hawks should take. The remaining core are amazing champions and I would honestly hate to see them go. These guys are what remains of the team's identify. That being said, something isn't right with this team, maybe trading a big name or two is the right way to go.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 4 @ 11:25 PM ET


I'm done with Q and with Blowman.
And no way do I trust either of them to use those draft picks wisely. Need to clean house.

- savvyone-1


100% correct. This team is an embarrassment and I don't think ANYONE in the front office expected a last place finish and potential Top 5 draft pick. What is there to say when Bowman says, "I expect the team to look very similar next year." That is insane. So, cap mastermind Bowman acquires "cost-certainty" players in Saad at $6mil for 4 years and Murphy at $3.5 mil for 5 years. Saad on pace for 34 points is 3rd line production, and Murphy has been a 5/6 D (or scratched) almost all year. So, Bowman essentially acquired two additional overpaid players in 20+5 to add to 19+7. So, $16.5 mil for two forwards producing at a bottom tier second line/3rd line level, and over $10 mil for a 3rd pair in Seabrook and Murphy.


I agree that Q and the players are done with each other. Honestly, this could get worse next year as 19,2,and 7 are likely to be just as poor, or worse, next season. What would the Hawks record be without Crawford this entire season? Fighting AZ and Buffalo for worst in the NHL. What if 50 can't play next year?? Buckle up ladies and gents, it's going to be a bumpy ride at the bottom of the Western Conference for a few years.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Mar 4 @ 11:26 PM ET
There is not really another option. A trade for a dman would prove costly if you want a good reargusrd added to this blueline crew. Perhaps of minor consolation would be the extent of options shoud Sikula show well and next fall if a prospect comes over and works well under Samuelson. That would be Carlsson. You are probably correct about Jokiharju.

It is discouraging to think that Dahlstrom is meant as a third pair and the others are expected to improve. You can cross your fingers that Seabrook might be a tad better if he trains over the summer. And you can hope that Murphy settles in as a third pair......but if Q is here still the defense is a mess. I do believe that Rutta has ability but like Gus and Oesterle he must have the correct partner. Forsling in all liklihood should develop irregardless if he spends more time in Rockford. He is another whom.should not be put with a non physical partner in their pair.

- jhawk59


I don't know if the free agent route is the way to go, unless Stan can move a big contract. The UFA d-man talent pool is shallow, especially if you want a sub-30 year old. I would expect a bidding war for Carlson if he doesn't re-sign in Washington.

Sbisa... no thanks

De Haan... an ok depth defenseman but the Hawks need more. There's handful of other guys who fit into this group.

My guess would be a trade for another defenseman (or two).
Larsson_fan
Edmonton Oilers
Joined: 10.08.2016

Mar 4 @ 11:28 PM ET
I'm actually torn about the next steps the Hawks should take. The remaining core are amazing champions and I would honestly hate to see them go. These guys are what remains of the team's identify. That being said, something isn't right with this team, maybe trading a big name or two is the right way to go.
- DarthKane

Well if you’re going down the rebuild path you need to remember or learn a few things all us Oilers/Sabres and Leaf fans had to learn the hard way.
1. Your star players will get far less of a return than you hope. Just look at the returns for the good player traded in the last few years.
2. You have already moved your bit players with Stanley Cup rings. The premium for SC experience on grinders has already been got.
3.adding quantity to proposed trade packages of your pooptier players does nothing. 1 pc of poop, 3pieces of poop...worth the same.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Mar 4 @ 11:30 PM ET
Team doesn't need new D coach, they need new D. Only Keith would play any kind of role above bottom pair on a playoff team and that's being generous. The Hawks have one of the worst defensive groups in the NHL.
- kwolf68


That is not true. Keith, Seabrook and Murphy would easily slot with play-off teams. in actuality recently Keith has been a total mess. The Hawks’ D has looked far worse than they are because of the idiotic system that has been employed. D should only take offensive chances or pinch when it is safe to do so defensively. The Hawks’ D has been taking offensive chances or pinching constantly with no regard to defence - this is why there has been an avalanche of odd-man breaks against. However, the D have been following orders - it is just that those orders are insane.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 4 @ 11:33 PM ET
I'm actually torn about the next steps the Hawks should take. The remaining core are amazing champions and I would honestly hate to see them go. These guys are what remains of the team's identify. That being said, something isn't right with this team, maybe trading a big name or two is the right way to go.
- DarthKane


What used to be a winning and positive chemistry in the room
has rapidly degraded into a seemingly toxic and negative energy. There is no passion, no cohesion, and no accountability. That lies squarely on the shoulders of Q, 19, 7, 2, 88, and even 10.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Mar 4 @ 11:35 PM ET
I don't know if the free agent route is the way to go, unless Stan can move a big contract. The UFA d-man talent pool is shallow, especially if you want a sub-30 year old. I would expect a bidding war for Carlson if he doesn't re-sign in Washington.

Sbisa... no thanks

De Haan... an ok depth defenseman but the Hawks need more. There's handful of other guys who fit into this group.

My guess would be a trade for another defenseman (or two).

- DarthKane


John Moore is playing 20 minutes a night in a Top 4 role for the playoff bound devils. He would be my ideal UFA target. Big (and will throw a hit), excellent wheels, Chicago kid, should be very affordable, and would be a upgrade on every Dman that has dressed for the Hawks this year (minus #2).
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Mar 4 @ 11:35 PM ET
That is not true. Keith, Seabrook and Murphy would easily slot with play-off teams. in actuality recently Keith has been a total mess. The Hawks’ D has looked far worse than they are because of the idiotic system that has been employed. D should only take offensive chances or pinch when it is safe to do so defensively. The Hawks’ D has been taking offensive chances or pinching constantly with no regard to defence - this is why there has been an avalanche of odd- man breaks against. However, the D have following orders - it is just that those orders are insane.
- Z3Hawk





easily!!! ... whatever dude.

Blaming the system is ridiculous, because the failings of Seabrook have ZERO to do with system. He's getting beaten 1v1, misses simple assignments like keeping his eyes on the backside post, is almost always outskated and can't even win many board battles anymore, his physical game has gone the way of the Dodo bird.

Brent Seabrook would barely be a bottom pairing D-man on a playoff team AT BEST. Ditto for any other D-man on this team. Keith has stunk too, but he still can at least skate.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Mar 4 @ 11:37 PM ET
What used to be a winning and positive chemistry in the room
has rapidly degraded into a seemingly toxic and negative energy. There is no passion, no cohesion, and no accountability. That lies squarely on the shoulders of Q, 19, 7, 2, 88, and even 10.

- EnzoD



Agreed. But those guys have been the heart and soul of our championship teams. What has changed to make things so negative? I doubt we'll ever know, hopefully Stan and company know and make the appropriate decisions.
Larsson_fan
Edmonton Oilers
Joined: 10.08.2016

Mar 4 @ 11:44 PM ET
Agreed. But those guys have been the heart and soul of our championship teams. What has changed to make things so negative? I doubt we'll ever know, hopefully Stan and company know and make the appropriate decisions.
- DarthKane


Being a big part of a Championship team is invaluable....but loyalty doesn’t pay the bills in the pro sports business no matter how much the fans think it’s cute.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Mar 4 @ 11:45 PM ET


easily!!! ... whatever dude.

Blaming the system is ridiculous, because the failings of Seabrook have ZERO to do with system. He's getting beaten 1v1, misses simple assignments like keeping his eyes on the backside post, is almost always outskated and can't even win many board battles anymore, his physical game has gone the way of the Dodo bird.

Brent Seabrook would barely be a bottom pairing D-man on a playoff team AT BEST. Ditto for any other D-man on this team. Keith has stunk too, but he still can at least skate.

- kwolf68


If you actually watched how the D are employed you’d know that for a number of years now Seabrook has been the babysitter partner for AHL level D partners. He is constantly responsible for not only his side of the ice but his partner’s side. In spite of these facts and while the Hawks have been awful as a team defensively he still has a +\- of 0. Keith, for the record, is -18.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Mar 4 @ 11:47 PM ET
Agreed. But those guys have been the heart and soul of our championship teams. What has changed to make things so negative? I doubt we'll ever know, hopefully Stan and company know and make the appropriate decisions.
- DarthKane


You are close. Do you think these guys forgot how to play hockey? Do you think that they are going to say anything other than what they say in the pressers? For Rocky to be so quiet, you have to think that the expansion money was hush money. Get out of the way this season, let Vegas be successful, and it will be good for the league. Then, we can do it again. Remember, the owners got their pockets lined just be allowing Vegas to come into the league.
SimpleJack
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago , IL
Joined: 05.23.2013

Mar 5 @ 12:04 AM ET
Unless there was an understanding that this was going to be year to take step back and rebuild with youth, I have no idea how Bowman can have a job after game 82.....

Murphy is a bottom pair D.
Saad is scoring like a 3rd liner and being paid like a 1sr liner.
Panarin, Hjalmarsson, Danault, Johns, Leddy, and Teravainen all playing big roles on their respective teams. What does Stan have to show for that NHL talent shipped out? NADA!

Sharp is done, Forsberg is not getting much help but definitely looks like Korpisalo in CBJ was the better Goalie behind Bobrovsky.

I think the consensus here that Bowman will be back is likely correct, but I do not agree that it is justified or the correct decision. Two first round bounces, then Stan finally makes moves to take ownership of the roster...and they are last in the division and looking at a Top 5 draft position.

We talk about a lack of accountability from the players, and that's correct, where is the accountability for this nosedive of a franchise??

A better GM would have managed assets, the salary cap, and drafting to maintain a playoff team until
19+88 were well into their 30s. You simply can't miss on so many defense draft picks or send so much legit talent away for NOTHING....that poor drafting and bleeding of talent finally caught up
to the Hawks, and we all see the results.

Q has blame too, but the talent he's been forced to work with on defense is laughable.

- EnzoD


I'm starting to lean this way, whereas in years past I've defended Bowman. But all these things you've highlighted are adding up, and all point towards the front office being THE cause above all else for the rapid(and far too early) decline of what was an outstanding all around hockey team. We shouldn't have regressed to this extent, its really a shame. We'll never know what could have been had Bowman and company made different(and much more wise) decisions after that 2nd Cup win in 2013....
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16  Next