The story in this article is just a wee bit out of date.

Canadians are all about skilled hockey and an entertaining game. Guys like McDavid and Crosby are on the top of the must see list, not guys like Lucic or Matt Martin.
- DarthKane

Also,



Darth you clearly were offended by my classification of Candian style hockey as incorporating more size and physicality than the Euro Teams. WHo does Canada take on defense typically? With the exception of Duncan Keith, has there been a sub 200lb defender on Team Canada in the last decade? No Letang types on team Canada. And I see no counter argument to my modern day evidence of the more physical brand of hockey in the Canadian Junior League allowing fighting and overwhelmingly viewed as more chippy/physical VS the caged and no fighting NCAA/Euro Jr leagues.

https://www.nytimes.com/2...-cold-war-got-colder.html

sorry if you're offended, but the NY Times agrees with my sentiment yesterday regarding "Canadian-style hockey"

From the NYT....

"two hockey styles clashed: the swift, precise and contact-averse game of the Soviets against the dogged, rugged, punishing game of the Canadians."





EDIT: My point was that the Canadian style of play has always been viewed as the more physical to the US and especially Euro style. Look at the physicality/fighting in the CHL vs cages, and no fighting in Euro Jr and USA College hockey.
- EnzoD

I think it's really just a North American/European divide. No real difference between the US and Canada, though.

If you are upset that he hasn't landed one of the "big fish" UFA's, didn't many say this Free agant market is not that strong? What trade this offseason has he screwed up? Last season there was calls for his head because the backup goalie position was weak. He signs a veteran this off-season, and people are still pissed off.
I kind of miss the days where I could get a section to myself. Maybe all of the bandwagon fans will go back home, and sip on expensive coffee.
- powerenforcer

I m upset because IMO he overpaid ward and manning plus has neglected the center position again now there is time to see what he can do to address that position plus a top4 d man. Don't ever call me a band wangon fan I've been watching and following the Blackhawks for over 30 years through thick and thin.

Yo

The roster is what it is. Thats it.

No one is going to take Hossa $ without attching a 1st rounder or two for it . And Bowman wont give away thos picks. Nor should he. He can just LTIR hossa.

No one is trading for anybof the garbage contrcts on the Hawks roster. Unless its Seabrook for Lucic. Thats it.

So Enjoy the 18-19 season as is.

I m upset because IMO he overpaid ward and manning plus has neglected the center position again now there is time to see what he can do to address that position plus a top4 d man. Don't ever call me a band wangon fan I've been watching and following the Blackhawks for over 30 years through thick and thin.
- Scott1977

Just to set the rcord straight, The bandwagin comment was not directed at you, it was a general comment aimed at all the suits (people who have comp tickets) that have filled the UC and have no idea a hockey game is being played. Yes, they are great for Rocky, but they suck for true fans.

Let's start with that I watch probably 2/3s the games a season, give or take a few games, and some of them I watched more than once because I help with tracking projects as peer review (for more than one team). The eye test to me lineups pretty well with the stats - the team worked hard for the most part, did not get rewarded for it in terms of goals, we're less effective / responsible defensively than I would have liked, definitely had holes esp on special teams, and then started to get the wind knocked out of them by poor goaltending. I have most certainly not agreed with every player acquisition or trade nor the usage/deployment of certain players. But the players that left are not among them and leaving out the context of why those players' didn't play or left (asking for a trade) is kind of silly. But we don't need to open that discussion up again lol.

As for developing a d-man since Hjammer, they have not but they also haven't needed to until recent years. They had the same 4/5/6 d-man roster for years, after all. And now that they have need, the Hawks management group has replaced their old AHL development group and added coaches at the NHL level that do have experience specifically with young players to help with the transition. We've already seen improvements in Rockford. Are we not going acknowledge the context around the lack of new d-men and ignore giving credit to the Hawks management group for revamping their development group? Seems unfair. Could argue it came too late but I'll give some benefit of doubt there.

As for goalies, last year's goalie situation is pretty similar to how it's been over the years: the Hawks find a young FA option to serve as back-up with an older vet in Rockford to hold it down there. There was little depth behind Raanta originally and Darling just had Raanta behind him for the one season. They've always been weak in terms of goalie depth so that was nothing new and tbf they did have two good AHL goalies in Forsberg/Berube, similar to Darling. The difference was the health of the starter in this time. If you look at Forsberg's numbers to start after Crawford goes down and compare it to the time Darling had to be started previously, Forsberg had perfectly average numbers - it's only when it dragged on that it became a poop show. What worked for 2-3 seasons didn't work last year but it wasn't a bad plan imo. Now they're going to try the Emery / Khabibulin approach - worked out 50/50 so who knows.

As for the announcement of being younger / harder to play again, on paper they did do that. Traded Hjammer for a bigger / younger d-man in Murphy; traded a smaller finesse player in Panarin for a bigger / more defensive player in Saad; signed grinder types in Bouma and Wingels; and signed huge ass Franson for defense. The average age of the team went from like 26th in age in the league to 13th in one year and then was down to 6th youngest by the end of it as they rotated in more kids. They tried the harder to play against route, albeit incorrectly imo, and definitely went young. Again, did not agree with all those moves at all but I can't say they didn't try; can say it hasn't worked yet though. Do like most of the youth they kept, like the future potential there.

Anyway, I'll just repeat myself: I do not know if Bowman and/or Q are the correct guys for whatever is coming next, but I think the dismissive, entitled way some talk about them can be quite ridiculous. Not everyone but some lbh lol. I'm not trying to dictate to anyone to stop sprouting their opinions or anything, just pointing out how it comes across to me. But I 100% disagree that there is "little risk" with swapping out management or coaching - it could always get worse with the wrong selection. There's also risk staying the course. Again, dunno which is the correct path but ignoring the fact that both have risks and rewards is silly.

Please excuse any typos or run-ons or incoherency, I just got back from a long happy hour lol
- L_B_R

Appreciate this not being reduced to fancy stats. A time and place for them and thankfully you don't feel this is one of those, cuz it ain't that complicated to see the stink, at least in my mind. Try and keep this short, but let me address some sillies and lol's.

Please forgive me if the team I write a check to sucks on the back end, has 2 Dmen moved cuz they suck, and they win a cup that very same yr! The uncomplicated take LBR, my team bloooooooooooooooooooows at defense cuz their defensemen suck, but discard two of them, cuz they're bums, and they win a cup that same yr as 1st and 2nd pairing guys.

In what world does that NEED context, LBR? How is that silly, LBR? To me silly is finishing last, not pointing out 2 Dmen moved cuz the suck and win a cup that yr while my team is a clown show on the back end. Context?!?! Last place is all the context needed while they kill in the fancy of corsi!

So the Hawks "were" loaded at D for 10 yrs so they DON'T develop Dmen? That's the reason or "context" for not developing Dmen, none since Hammer? Well ok, how's that working out for them or the context angle? We HAD good Dmen in 2013 so we don't back them up with some prospects???

The club has always been weak at goalie depth you say but that's ok??? So context says not having 3 capable NHL goalies is ok, cuz it's worked so far? Well you know what, I've driven without a spare tire for 40 yrs and I'll be God dam&#@ here I am in the middle of the desert and got a flat with no spare. Say a prayer for me will you as I give my kids some context on why they're about to fry like an egg.

Harder to play against? So because Q "played" Saad and Murphy that's the justification he's bought in? But that a Jurco and Duclair end up on the 4th line doesn't fit the context angle?

Been around too long not to understand context and justifying something as my eyes tell me otherwise. Also, that if something happens enough times, good or bad, it's not a coincidence.

I'll reiterate I have no answers other than it's all on Rocky and posted at season's end if it were me one of Q or StanBow would be gone. Think at least one set of new eyes will help untangle the riddle of aging stars with absolutely crippling cap hits with tons of term left, players acquired, not used, win cups that same yr TWICE at a position the club is horrid in, uneven or horrid efforts, not developing Dmen, decades long weak at goalie depth.

Waaaay to much for my pickled mind to think thru but my eyes are, and have been, telling me there are enough problems that are deep enough to blame on the organIzation as a whole, not just one man.

Yo

The roster is what it is. Thats it.

No one is going to take Hossa $ without attching a 1st rounder or two for it . And Bowman wont give away thos picks. Nor should he. He can just LTIR hossa.

No one is trading for anybof the garbage contrcts on the Hawks roster. Unless its Seabrook for Lucic. Thats it.

So Enjoy the 18-19 season as is.
- mrpaulish

Sad but true.
Better days ahead

Quite possible. If so, I would be open to reacquire van Riemsdyk as he's more defensively minded and sound so fills the more pressing need.

Faulk would be a good add if the overall team defense improves since he is a great PP quarterback and may be the spark plug needed to rejuvenate the man advantage. But is there enough cap space to to beef up the defensive talent and add a player of Faulk's caliber? That doesn't even count the need to ideally acquire a checking center.
- AEL_Fox

This is why 3 million on Ward hurts because we can't get rid of Hossa's cap , we still don't have a lot to play with. .

This is why 3 million on Ward hurts because we can't get rid of Hossa's cap , we still don't have a lot to play with. .
- HamiltonHawk

My best guess is the 'Hawks wanted to have confidence Crawford could give them 55-60 games this year. But they don't have that confidence. Therefore, they need a guy who can give them well more than 25 games, if needed. If all they needed from #2 was 20 games, they would have stood pat with just Forsberg.

Happy 4th of July to my American friends!

My best guess is the 'Hawks wanted to have confidence Crawford could give them 55-60 games this year. But they don't have that confidence. Therefore, they need a guy who can give them well more than 25 games, if needed. If all they needed from #2 was 20 games, they would have stood pat with just Forsberg.
- 35Tony0

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!

Appreciate this not being reduced to fancy stats. A time and place for them and thankfully you don't feel this is one of those, cuz it ain't that complicated to see the stink, at least in my mind. Try and keep this short, but let me address some sillies and lol's.

Please forgive me if the team I write a check to sucks on the back end, has 2 Dmen moved cuz they suck, and they win a cup that very same yr! The uncomplicated take LBR, my team bloooooooooooooooooooows at defense cuz their defensemen suck, but discard two of them, cuz they're bums, and they win a cup that same yr as 1st and 2nd pairing guys.

In what world does that NEED context, LBR? How is that silly, LBR? To me silly is finishing last, not pointing out 2 Dmen moved cuz the suck and win a cup that yr while my team is a clown show on the back end. Context?!?! Last place is all the context needed while they kill in the fancy of corsi!

So the Hawks "were" loaded at D for 10 yrs so they DON'T develop Dmen? That's the reason or "context" for not developing Dmen, none since Hammer? Well ok, how's that working out for them or the context angle? We HAD good Dmen in 2013 so we don't back them up with some prospects???

The club has always been weak at goalie depth you say but that's ok??? So context says not having 3 capable NHL goalies is ok, cuz it's worked so far? Well you know what, I've driven without a spare tire for 40 yrs and I'll be God dam&#@ here I am in the middle of the desert and got a flat with no spare. Say a prayer for me will you as I give my kids some context on why they're about to fry like an egg.

Harder to play against? So because Q "played" Saad and Murphy that's the justification he's bought in? But that a Jurco and Duclair end up on the 4th line doesn't fit the context angle?

Been around too long not to understand context and justifying something as my eyes tell me otherwise. Also, that if something happens enough times, good or bad, it's not a coincidence.

I'll reiterate I have no answers other than it's all on Rocky and posted at season's end if it were me one of Q or StanBow would be gone. Think at least one set of new eyes will help untangle the riddle of aging stars with absolutely crippling cap hits with tons of term left, players acquired, not used, win cups that same yr TWICE at a position the club is horrid in, uneven or horrid efforts, not developing Dmen, decades long weak at goalie depth.

Waaaay to much for my pickled mind to think thru but my eyes are, and have been, telling me there are enough problems that are deep enough to blame on the organIzation as a whole, not just one man.
- Mr Ricochet

Nice post Mr R. Think everyone on this board is a very passionate hockey and Blackhawks fan and all are lamenting where the team finds itself. I think they are right now trying to have their cake (rebuild - see the D prospects they are putting in pipeline - though now strangely ignoring F) and eat it (have a full UC for every game) too. And, I also think that path leads to meh/ mediocre team and hockey for years, not serious contention.

At this point I am hoping that they quit being stealth about the rebuild, go full bore, and give us some insight into a realistic timeline so we have some hope for the future and an idea when they will be good again. Also would allow them to play what they have (that’s ready for the show) and see what they got.

Realistically when I look at it and in combination with Stan’s seemingly 2 year window on FA signings, the earliest I see the team better / contending is 3 years out. Which perhaps not coincidentally puts you at a potential CBA renegotiation with new buyouts (cough*Seabrook*cough) and with Hossa having a manageable and more trade-able 1 year left.

Also,



Darth you clearly were offended by my classification of Candian style hockey as incorporating more size and physicality than the Euro Teams. WHo does Canada take on defense typically? With the exception of Duncan Keith, has there been a sub 200lb defender on Team Canada in the last decade? No Letang types on team Canada. And I see no counter argument to my modern day evidence of the more physical brand of hockey in the Canadian Junior League allowing fighting and overwhelmingly viewed as more chippy/physical VS the caged and no fighting NCAA/Euro Jr leagues.
- EnzoD

I wasn't offended. I was just pointing out a inaccurate generalization of a country's style of hockey.

Wanted to pop in quickly with this thought: TVR will be the Hawks big D man get from Blowman. Was always a Q favorite and can see him coming back and being paired with Keith on 1st pair. Unfortunately, while TVR is a very decent defender, he is no more than a 3rd pair guy with an ability to fill in as a #3/#4 when needed for a few games. Wishing for Faulk is not only a pipe-dream but in reality, given what Q did with Daley and Kempny, how many games do you think he'd give Faulk before running him off/pressboxing him?

I wasn't offended. I was just pointing out a inaccurate generalization of a country's style of hockey.
- DarthKane

I also think that hockey, like most things, evolves and CTE concerns have already and are going to force changes in the game. Whether folks like it are not. Hockey will always be a contact sport, but IMO reducing head injury as much as possible is a really good thing for the players and ultimately the game. I notice that GMs (not just Stan and team) put their money where their mouths are and put a premium on smaller, faster, playmaking defensemen this draft and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

Nice post Mr R. Think everyone on this board is a very passionate hockey and Blackhawks fan and all are lamenting where the team finds itself. I think they are right now trying to have their cake (rebuild - see the D prospects they are putting in pipeline - though now strangely ignoring F) and eat it (have a full UC for every game) too. And, I also think that path leads to meh/ mediocre team and hockey for years, not serious contention.

At this point I am hoping that they quit being stealth about the rebuild, go full bore, and give us some insight into a realistic timeline so we have some hope for the future and an idea when they will be good again. Also would allow them to play what they have (that’s ready for the show) and see what they got.

Realistically when I look at it and in combination with Stan’s seemingly 2 year window on FA signings, the earliest I see the team better / contending is 3 years out. Which perhaps not coincidentally puts you at a potential CBA renegotiation with new buyouts (cough*Seabrook*cough) and with Hossa having a manageable and more trade-able 1 year left.
- Marlowe

I think we're beyond context now looking at this franchise. My eyes see a team that finished last and nobody has paid a price for that. Haven't developed a Dman since Hammer or a goalie since Crow. I watched 2016 3rd rd goalie Wouter Peeters play in the USHL last yr. In my 10 yrs following that league I have never ever ever seen such a poor skating goaltender, even in the NAHL. Horrid and if someone doesn't lose their job over that it's a sign of more Peteers'.

I don't, and never ever ever listen to a word StanBow says, but, and I know context say he's not done yet, he runs out after FA and says Kunitz provides leadership!!!

What can he say? But man even the casual fan will start to get sickened. I'm not a big messaging guy but still how long can you send out a "press secretary" to tell you not to believe your lying eyes?

I like that they stopped digging and realize they are 7 players away, FA showed that. But is the guy who ran 2 Dmen out to win cups that yr, won't play pleyers brought in at the TDL and the guy who insisted Rundblad could play, Timmonen could help for TWO 2nds and would draft a Peeters in the 3rd or Knott in the 2nd, sign Seabs for SEVEN more yrs when he's slowing are the guys to oversee the unsaid rebuild?

I think we're beyond context now looking at this franchise. My eyes see a team that finished last and nobody has paid a price for that. Haven't developed a Dman since Hammer or a goalie since Crow. I watched 2016 3rd rd goalie Wouter Peeters play in the USHL last yr. In my 10 yrs following that league I have never ever ever seen such a poor skating goaltender, even in the NAHL. Horrid and if someone doesn't lose their job over that it's a sign of more Peteers'.

I don't, and never ever ever listen to a word StanBow says, but, and I know context say he's not done yet, he runs out after FA and says Kunitz provides leadership!!!

What can he say? But man even the casual fan will start to get sickened. I'm not a big messaging guy but still how long can you send out a "press secretary" to tell you not to believe your lying eyes?

I like that they stopped digging and realize they are 7 players away, FA showed that. But is the guy who ran 2 Dmen out to win cups that yr, won't play pleyers brought in at the TDL and the guy who insisted Rundblad could play, Timmonen could help for TWO 2nds and would draft a Peeters in the 3rd or Knott in the 2nd, sign Seabs for SEVEN more yrs when he's slowing are the guys to oversee the unsaid rebuild?
- Mr Ricochet

Dead on true sir! Share the frustration. Have it in the back of my mind that the marketing arm is somehow wanting to cheese off even those casual fans (non casual folk like us are already there) enough that they are truly justified in PR terms firing Stan and Q? They have definitely given them enough rope, so to speak. Guess this means no changes until they get off to what right now looks to be a horrible start and Rocky steps in like he told Crains he would and brings a once a good thing to a merciful end.

EDIT: when you see typos from me assume it’s because one of my dogs (the helpful retriever sort) is “helping” me type

Also - thinking Stan and Q aren’t the guys for a rebuild

He sure did. He also had a .906 Save percentage and hasn't made the playoffs in 9 years.

That .906 is exactly what his save percentage over the past 6 years combined works out to as well. In that time frame he's 113-95-38.

Point is he's below average. And has been for a while.
- BINGO!

He should fit right in.

NEW blog up: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-Do-Have-a-Plan/253/93784

I get why people are talking about Faulk because he is RD and available but does he solve the problem we are looking to solve on the back end?

I could be out to lunch on this but I feel like the problem is not having enough Dmen who can actually defend well, because we've got dmen who can produce offense. Faulk isn't a shutdown guy or a guy who IMO excels at preventing goals. I really hope he isn't the trade target for the Hawks. They need someone better at defense.
- breadbag

Couldn't agree more! While he may be better than what we have, he is not the solution for our needs (D zone coverage). The only way I would take him if he's come cheap and that's not likely going to happen given the recent contract extensions and signings. At this rate, I would rather have TVR back if it meant someone from the Canes.

Definitely would like to add a PP specialist in Faulk who is a top 4 talent. He would jump start the woeful PP to at least get to middle of the pack. In an ideal world, having Faulk plus a top-4 defensive defensemen would be killer but not sure if there's enough money to do both and fill needs at forward.

If I had to choose, though, between a top-4 defensive defensemen and a top-4 offensive defensmen, I'd go with the former because the Hawks don't have anyone in the system who fits that bill (at least not someone who is ready to step in this fall). The team could potentially fill the latter in house with Gustafsson or Oesterle even.
- AEL_Fox

Yes Faulk would no doubt an offensive punch and add to the PP but 5 on 5 who do you pair him with, Keith. Isn't that one of the major reasons why Keith had an "off"year by his lofty standards...partner baby-sitting? Maybe Manning but he is unproven but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Assuming you want to go righty/lefty, that's all you have! Unless a Hillman cracks the lineup but too much responsiblity and probably stunt his development.

If you are upset that he hasn't landed one of the "big fish" UFA's, didn't many say this Free agant market is not that strong? What trade this offseason has he screwed up? Last season there was calls for his head because the backup goalie position was weak. He signs a veteran this off-season, and people are still pissed off.
I kind of miss the days where I could get a section to myself. Maybe all of the bandwagon fans will go back home, and sip on expensive coffee.
- powerenforcer

Me too! I mean don’t get me wrong I LOVE that the UC is packed every night but there is a small piece of me that misses walking up to the ticket booth minutes before puck drop and getting a seat at face value. I will reiterate a SMALL piece of me misses that, the rest of me wouldn’t trade those 3 cups for anything!!