Decoding The Speech
by SamFels on Nov 9, 2011 11:03 AM CST
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PrintWell I hope we've calmed down a bit. After a missive last night, I wanted to come back today and try and decipher what we're hearing from the team and others and what that really means. I think people tend to forget this is an Original 6 city, and that we don't need to be Hockey 101'ed to death. Some things I hear on the broadcast and after games:
-Constant harping on the hit stats. This really grinds my gears. It's only slightly because hit stats are about as objective as Lovie Smith's staff doling out tackling numbers for a game (did you know Lance Briggs had 387 tackles on Monday? Me either). They are subjective to what arena you're in on a given night. See how inflated Cal Clutterbuck's numbers get? He's not that big of a nutcase.
But that's only a small portion of it. I'm not trying to argue that the Hawks are physically taking it to anybody these days. Certainly that isn't the case. But when did they ever? The Keenan Hit or Die Hawks have been gone close to 20 years. Two years ago? I don't recall that team being a slobbering bunch of road graters. But we didn't care because the Hawks always had the puck. They didn't need to stand out on the hit chart. They made teams pay for trying to do that.
So what are people really saying when they harp on that? If it's a lack of a forecheck, then that's a completely valid point. They could just say that. The Hawks do have a forechecking problem. There aren't a lot of grave-diggers here. Because the Hawks can't possess the puck as much as they want to think they can right now, they have to get it back a lot. And they struggle to do that. Maybe it's scheme, maybe it's personnel, maybe it's both, but I see a lot of easy clears and breakouts for opponents. And the top three lines just don't come with too many of those. Early in the year when Bryan Bickell remembered how large he was, he was creating one. One of the big reasons that line was so effective. Maybe his scratching will remind him, it has before.
Above that? It is an issue. Marian Hossa is a great forechecker, but he has so many other skills that you hesitate to restrict him to that. That's why the pairing of Hossa and Toews appeal, as they can combine to do the work. I want Viktor Stalberg to be that guy, but he isn't, or at least isn't yet. At least this year he's trying. it's an issue for sure. So if that's what everyone referring to when talking about hit, then I'd request they just say that. i understand the calls for Ben Smith, because that's a strength of his game. And when there's room for him, that will probably happen. But it's not the cure-all
If it's just a desire for the Hawks to run around and be the Blues most nights and think winning the hit race is winning the game, then that's not going to help anyone. I know it satisfies some primal urge deep within us that like to belch and scratch, but it's not really an answer here. Maybe a couple clearances of the Hawks crease is in order, sure, but those don't end up on the hit chart anyway.
-"We need to keep it simple." Duncan Keith said this about the power play last night, but it could have been anybody at any time. We've all heard this refrain before. What does that mean? Well, we've all complained about the insistence on the backdoor play. It's covered. But why is it? It's more than scouting. As always, I'm behind the Fifth Feather on this, but why was that play always open last season? Maybe it had something to do with the repeated drives to the net that Jonathan Toews engineered from the goal line extended. You remember those? In fact, if I recall correctly (and I very well may not be thanks to a misspent youth) a lot of those backdoor goals that Sharp pounded home were actually rebounds and scrambles off Toews coming to the crease. Teams had to cheat toward him, then they tried simply cutting off the pass to Toews which Kane used to his advantage to make that pass around that vacated lane. If the Hawks won't change their system -- and considering the ox-like stubborness they've exhibited, the won't -- they should probably get back to this.
-"Compete level". Gets back to the whole "flat" cop out that I think we're all tired of. I heard the same things last year at this time. Then it was the fault of a quiet dressing room. That's apparently not a problem this season. So what is it? I think it has a lot to do with the first problem up top of this post. When teams aren't letting the Hawks skate all over them from the jump, they have a hard time creating that Big Mo other ways. Again, the forecheck. It can look like lack of emotion, in reality it's just a lack of creating chances that leads to a bit of lethargy.
But what if it is a lack of motivation or desire for the second straight year? ti's the same coach, same captain. What are we to make of that? So either all of that means there's a room full of players who don't care who can't be reached, there's a captain they don't seem to respect, or the team is tuning out its coach to some extent. Pretty sure it's not the second one there. What is it?
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I hate it when you preach sense. It just makes so much….SENSE!
Puckin' Hostile
-Matt Cooke is a turd burglar. He burgles ALL the turds.-
-At least he's not Cam Janssen. What a bag of dicks that guy is.-
Did you just call out the Captain or Q? I think it's Q but please decode...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
This blog
calls out Toews every now and again, just for chest-thumping show. It’s one of their more distasteful habits, IMO, since they obviously have no clue what Toews is or isn’t doing in the locker room and furthermore have no way of comparing him to some sort of captaincy baseline even if they did.
That said, Sam here has instead decided to inch up to the edge of calling him out while not actually doing so.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
He quite clearly didn't call out the captain:
So either all of that means there’s a room full of players who don’t care who can’t be reached, there’s a captain they don’t seem to respect, or the team is tuning out its coach to some extent. Pretty sure it’s not the second one there.
emphasis mine.
Which is quite clearly what I said
That said, Sam here has instead decided to inch up to the edge of calling him out while not actually doing so.
emphasis … well, mine
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
damn
reply fail
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
What's your problem?
I don’t recall ever having a beef with you before.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
it would be difficult for me to answer that honestly without flaming.
quite simply, my avenues of response are to directly contradict every stupid statement i see on this blog, ignore them, or hardly ever post. my personality precludes any other path. I can’t ignore them because SBN doesn’t implement that function.
yeah but
you haven’t even pointed out what was stupid about what I said.
Otherwise, all due respect to your “personality” and all, but maybe try growing up?
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
Calling out Toews just for chest-thumping show?
Is Toews above criticism? I don’t get your point. It seems like you enjoy some chest-thumping as well.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Calling out Toews
Calling out Toews for his on-ice play is of course fair game.
Calling out Toews for being insufficiently captainy is assuming way too much. That’s for the guys in the room to make and we don’t have much input into that or – even more importantly – the available information to make that call.
I get impatient in general when we start lobbing calls of “not working hard enough” or shit like that, because in most cases WE. JUST. DON’T. KNOW. Same with Toews. If he needs to crash the net more often, or if he’s getting sloppy defensively, so be it. We should point that out.
But with rare exceptions, we don’t know shit about what happens off the ice.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
by Brian C on Nov 9, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I will give him
a +1 for showing a little emotion in his post game interview.
He even cussed!!
At least that shows that he is not happy with the way his team has performed lately.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
hang on..
is the Tazer-1000 showing ‘Emotions’?.. quick, get him back to the lab!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
He said
he or they were “pissed” but he said it like he was ordering a burger so the emotion represser is still functioning correctly
No worries, this was the plan all along!
thank Skynet for that!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I do not think anybody is really doubting his work ethic or drive
But last night I called out his “Captainy” with his now repeated and obvious displays of displeasure in not having penalties called, to the point he has stopped playing the play, even if for a second or two, he is the Captain and should not be setting this as an acceptable thing to do. Play until the whistle is blown, then as CAPTAIN go up to the ref a have your say, the “C” on the chest gives you the right to do that since only Captains and Alternates by the rules are only ones who can. All other players are up to get an Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 9, 2011 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
We may not know of everything that happens "off the ice", but we do get the occasional insight into the mind of the Capt
Toews got pretty upset and defensive when asked about the power play after last night’s game. Just as he dismissed the possibility of the Hawks missing the playoffs last year. To me, that is not how a Leader conducts himself. Doesn’t make me right, but I don’t believe in “Leadership by example”.
We speak of Toews captaining a team to the Cup. What we forget is that he had a lot of leaders on that team helping say the things he can’t or doesn’t know how to. There were many players on that team who are now wearing letters on other teams and IMO Soup should be wearing the C in Florida.
I’m not calling for the removal of the C on Toews’ sweater, but I think he needs to add more to his leadership repertoire.
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:19 PM CST up reply actions
More than Olympic gold, junior gold, a Cup, and the unanimous praise of every teammate, opponent, or coach who’s ever commented on the topic?
Don’t mean to jump on you Active, but I really feel this mini-current of questioning his leadership/captaincy is just about the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in any recent debate about this team.
www.mjt.org
by ChicoMaki on Nov 9, 2011 6:25 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't forget World Championship (Professional) gold at age 17, Conn Smythe, etc., etc...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
accomplishments =/= leadership
Nobody is questioning that he should be captain, or even that he is a great one. But its not too much to ask that he needs to do some work to get his team (and himself) back on track. Also, do you really expect teammates to criticize their own teammates anyway? If I did hear that, I’d think the locker room was kind fucked up to be honest.
What I find ridiculous is how defensive many people get the second Tazer is questioned even slightly.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
to be clear, maybe my expectations of him are just too high
I expect Toews to be the difference maker. I expect him to drag the team into competency. He has not, and I want him to do better. Maybe thats too much to ask. I don’t think so – and I bet the captain wouldn’t either.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
19 points in 15 games
= “competency”
Jesus, the cliffs people will jump off of after a rough week.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
by Brian C on Nov 9, 2011 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Jesus the assumptions people make someone makes a statement they don't agree with
I’m not anywhere near the ledge but if you think the team looked good the past games then I think you’re crazy. I want it fixed now before the the games and the schedule gets even harder. That doesn’t mean I think the end is near for this team, i just want them to do better.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 9, 2011 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
I'm cool
with the questioning of Toews, but I think the questioning of his leadership is crazy. He’s not a rah-rah guy, and so it just seems to me that he’s caught in a no-win situation. If he gets vocal and angry then he’s losing his cool; if he stays quiet then he’s not doing enough to stoke the team.
www.mjt.org
by ChicoMaki on Nov 9, 2011 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Without a doubt it's a precarious situation for him, but this is what comes with the C
This is where we will learn about his true leadership skills.
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
Unlike anActiveStick, I do believe in leading by example
and I’ve always believed that’s how Toews works. I’m not expecting pep talks, I don’t think that’s how he works. I’ve always thought it was his drive, skill, ability to be a difference and someone who always gives 100% to be some of the things that inspire his team, and make them want to follow him and be better; but he seems just as lost out there as anyone else right now. At least to me. Maybe I’m wrong. Either way, I don’t think asking some questions are crazy. Its too bad that you do.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
No no, I do think asking questions about his play … I get that entirely, and I agree with you that he’s looked just as lost out there. But the kid is human and he has 15 years of play ahead of him (hopefully all with us, and I know you agree there). But I don’t know, you can have a guy score a shortie with 90 seconds left in game 7s every week. I do think Toews will put this team on his back, but I just don’t think he can do it every night.
www.mjt.org
yeah
i’m crapping this opinion into your skull too.. (right!)
Tazer should not have to carry this enire load for exactly the reasons outlined above…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Definitely expect him to be here for a long long time.
I don’t expect him to put them on his back every night, or make those kinds of plays all the time. I equate his play with his leadership though – like I said, lead by example. Maybe that’s not right, I don’t know. I just feel like its a trickle down effect. When Toews is good (or even competent!), he makes the players around him good. That’s also why I’ve never been cool with the whole, Toews is slow in October, but its ok thing. I don’t get why that is acceptable for anyone, let alone the captain. Also, I don’t think it sets a good example when he’s whining at the refs for the missed calls during the play, either, and we’ve been seeing that a lot lately.
I think it’ll get better, and I think the team has, and will continue to flourish under him. But I still feel like he’s in a bit of a rough spot right now.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
and by
“When Toews is good (or even competent!)” I mean, when he’s not scoring, but doing the other things right – so maybe competent wasn’t the right word.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
There are many people who won't follow you because you set an example
You need to know how to get through to everyone to be an effective leader.
I don’t follow people based on example.
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
Yzerman did okay, Modano and Sakic did, Iginla and Gretzky did, and Beliveau before them. There are bunches of lead-by-example captains. And they all had huge varieties of personalities around them.
I don’t know, I’ll stop, cause it just seems that we disagree, but I find it hard to believe that anyone—even you—wouldn’t be inspired by a captain who gave everything on every shift the way those above did, or Toews does. It’s not always going to bring goals and wins, but I sense that for these guys, over the long haul, effort is contagious.
www.mjt.org
by ChicoMaki on Nov 9, 2011 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
yeah
with this…
there’s different kinds of leaders.. and ours is a young over-achiever (not meant as a bad thing!) who leads best by showing his team what talent, will and sheer guts can achieve..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
He is definitely a proven winner, we know that
But is very young and is dealing with some adversity for what seems like the first time. This is the true test of a leader.
Not calling for his head, like I said, I just think he needs to figure out a little more to the leadership deal. And this is not reaction to this little skid, this is my take on last season and this early season.
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:41 PM CST up reply actions
Okay, but I really don’t understand what this means. I think I understand a little better, but what do you mean by “figure out a little more leadership”? I’m not being a dick, I just really have no clue what this means.
www.mjt.org
No offense taken
I’ve been a leader in the workforce, and I’ve learned a lot from some wise people. What I’ve learned (I’m only 28) is that there are many styles of leadership.
Leading by example, the “rah-rah” leader, and leaders who know how to handle the different personalities and get the best out of them. Maybe the last part falls on the coach, but either way, like Brian C says, it’s all speculation since I nor many others don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.
We all have heard that Toews is the leader by example guy, and what I’m saying is that with this group maybe that’s not enough.
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:51 PM CST up reply actions
I see what you’re saying now at least. I don’t agree with you that the onus is on Toews to change his style, though. We just differ there. He’s led really varied groups of players already in his career, despite his age, and his track record in winning signifies to me that he’s doing something right. And I think the team will rebound under his leadership this year, too.
www.mjt.org
I hope you are right
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 7:09 PM CST up reply actions
But they can see what is going on, on ice with Toews and the other players
and make some inferences. nothing distasteful about that IMO. Its the same thing as all the people who have issue with that because Toews can do no wrong – you don’t know what he is or isn’t doing either, so that assertion is also flawed.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 9, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed on your last line
But a handful of “inferences” and a quarter will get you a gumball.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
But that goes both ways!
But if you post something “bad” about Toews its chest thumping now? ridiculous.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
let me be clear
“Toews is the most awesome leader of men ever!!!!” = silly novelization best left to One Goal TV ads
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
he's also
very, very young to be in such a role.. and (and this is clearly speculation because, as Brian C says, we have no idea what happens behind closed doors) Tazer seems like the sort of Captain who leads by example rather than personality.. as opposed to, say, Pronger… who has the on-ice pedigree AND the sort of “hairdryer” personality..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I probably sound like the leader of the Toews hate brigade or something
which is NOT the case. But this:
Tazer seems like the sort of Captain who leads by example rather than personality
is exactly why people are wondering what is going on, you know? I don’t feel like he has been, and its unfortunate and unsettling because that is so rare. He has a lot on his shoulders and there are a lot of voices in the locker room – we all know this. We just want to know what bug has crawled up the teams butt that is causing them to play like this.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
Anybody think alternate
captains should be switched up?
Just polling here.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
How about
if anyone should be stripped of their “A” to send a message?
Again, just polling
No worries, this was the plan all along!
2 years of inconsistent hockey
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
yeah.. I agree..
and (again just speculating)I hope that the likes of Carcillo, Mayers and Brunette are bringing that to the dressing room..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
yeah, agreed
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Nothing I've seen about Toews, good or bad, has been exaggerated imo.
As a blog we are going to speculate, infer, have opinions and discussions. Questioning leadership happens. We do it with Q, with Sharp, Keith, et al, the captain is not off limits, whether we know what goes on in the locker room or not.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
I don't get you and a few others around here sometimes...
Speculation, theorizing, inferring, and venting is sort of what sports talk and blogging is all about. We’re not trying to save the world here, just having some fun talking about our favorite hockey team.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
by Badgerdano on Nov 9, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
100% this^
it gets a bit nasty around here when the Hawks ain’t doing so well.. but there’s none of us going to change that, we’re just talking…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
hey!
when I want your opinion I will cut out your brain, eat it and then crap it back into your skull, right?
:p
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
my brain
has got a Restraining Order against me for repeated cases of Alcohol/Hockey/Crossword related abuse.. now I’m not allowed within 50 metres of it, except for game days when it’s a full Kilometre..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
That's a rec
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:26 PM CST up reply actions
I just did it for you!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I think the whole post speaks to one thing
We have some guys in the top 9 that can forecheck. Hell, Hossa and Toews are two of the most beastly forecheckers in the game. However, when they look like they’re skating with 20 lb weights on each foot, as they have for the last 3 games, it isn’t happening.
Bicks and Stals being who we need them to be – they were showing it in preseason and the early goings, but it is gone now.
Your solution to the PP woes is much the same thing – Toews driving the net from below the goal line to create a scramble requires a lot of effort and energy. When there’s no energy, that play is gone. Kane doing his thing – circling the O zone on the PP, causing all sorts of problems, that need energy, momentum.
All leads to the final point. I can speak definitively for myself, when I talk about hitting, or physicality in general, i’m really pointing at the energy level, the will to actually go hit someone, rather than actual hits. Hits are the most easily graspable symptom of high-energy play, I guess.
I think it all comes to this:
a lack of motivation or desire for the second straight year
But it isn’t a what-if, in my opinion. This team has a brain problem. They just can’t, as a team, get themselves up for games. The skill gap between any two teams in this league isn’t great enough (except for maybe vs CBJ) for a team to just wander around on the ice and win.
Yep passion and the will need to be there
before anything else can happen – maybe their early season record made them think they could just show up and win most games, who knows? But I don’t believe most people here are deceived about any alleged lack of “hitting,” but as to forechecking – we know it when we see it. Desire to go in there and sacrifice yourself is missing right now, at least among most of the team’s members.
and brain part is also correct
they basically lost their shit against the Nucks.
Agreed.
If a team with this top-end talent can’t be more than a playoff bubble team for the second straight year, than I think the room has been lost by somebody in a key position.
Maybe it’s Toews that’s lost respect, maybe not, but it’s sure easier (and cheaper) to turn over a coaching staff than it is to get rid of a franchise player.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Speaking of Toews
I was surprised that Silver was the only one defending Toews’ honor over there at NM with Charron’s article.
yeah I saw that..
Silver took some flak in that little bunfight.. i had to stop reading
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:51 PM CST up reply actions
stopped going over there.
also don’t think anything can be achieved by going to another blog to defend our players. Just like I think its waste of time for them to come here and defend theirs.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 9, 2011 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Word
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
Bicks was "showing it" in the pre-season?
Exactly what pre-season were you watching? In the real pre-season Q stated that Bicks needed to pull his head out of his ass – which he finally did for the last pre-season game and about the first two or three games of the regular season. That’s about all we’ve seen from Bickell.
it should read
stals and bicks/preseason and early goings respectively.
Locker room voices
Do need to speak up. The vets that were brought in. SOD, Brunette, Mayers. They need to make their voices heard because I’m pretty sure at least the last one is still kicking ass and taking names when being given the opportunity. There’s no lack of motivation from #22.
As for Q… I really have no idea what to think in November. 1 point in a 6 point stretch sucks, but let’s see how the circus trip plays out. We all know there are Q problems that absolutely must be fixed. They start with John Scott dressing, extend to a stubborn point forward on the man-advantage and then bleed to his obsession with nickel slots. Outside of those things, Quenneville isn’t letting the players get out of control. He would do well to reign in Carcillo a bit more as he’s starting to do more stupid things than useful ones, but the team remains composed on and off the ice.
If they come back with less than 8 points from the circus trip, then I will have my questions for the Stache. I’m not keen on talking replacement yet because as it stands, there’s no one out there that’s available I’d prefer standing behind our bench than him.
by JesusMarianHossa on Nov 9, 2011 11:43 AM CST reply actions
Also, Toews, Sharp and Duncan Keith
Can use those letters to light some fires too. They’re the leaders on this team. Be vocal and make yourselves heard. Especially Patrick Sharp. If he’s going to be fumbling around on the ice, then make a difference off it.
by JesusMarianHossa on Nov 9, 2011 11:44 AM CST up reply actions
I am so sick of editorialists and analysts jumping to 'they need to hit more'
Hitting is the least of the Hawks fucking problems, and the last thing anybody in that organization needs is encouragement to emphasize big, offensively or defensively useless players.
The PP needs a new coach, period. The systems aren’t evolving, they’re stagnating, and the players don’t really look like they even buy in anymore based on their body-language on the ice during and immediately afterwards.
The Hawks created one of the best defensive duos in hockey when the put Keith and Seabs together. Keith and Seabs did not immediately start destroying faces and dominating games from the word go, they played together, learned each other’s styles, and built communication and chemistry. Likewise for Campbell and Hjalmerson, who really started clicking at the end of their first season together.
You want another great, go-to defensive pairing coach? It may take some growing pains. Shuffling people around so they never have an idea who they’re working with is defensive idiocy IMO. Pick some pairs that have potential and don’t abort the second they let in a goal…. just as long as Scott isn’t one of them.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
this
and the big point for me from Sam’s article is
But we didn’t care because the Hawks always had the puck.
This is a puck-possession team that.. well… isn’t
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions
thats true
but it isn’t because it can’t. It is because it isn’t, so hope is not lost.
agreed
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:19 PM CST up reply actions
Congree,
The physical game I am not really concerned about. Sam nailed it with the lackluster forchecking and denying the HAwks the possession game. This is the issue, not by not having 3-4 Scotts on the ice!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 9, 2011 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
Stop your chest thumping
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:29 PM CST up reply actions
Just saying
Chicago Blackhawks, through 15 games:
2009-2010: 18 points
2010-2011: 15 points
2011-2012: 19 points
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
don't whistle past the graveyard - this team has issues.
it isn’t time to jump off the ledge (that’s CBJ), but things need to be fixed.
So did the Cup team at various times during the season...at the very least this team doesn't at this point have to chase a playoff spot and can afford a few down efforts here and there...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
yeah, exactly..
but there’s tough tests to come and losing can quickly become a habit (ask the Wings.. it’ll be hard to hear the Beej what with all the wind up on the ledge).. but it sure ain’t time for the panic button
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
Meh.
The cup teams struggles came when they were injured.
these struggles this year
hit the high point with Keith out injured for 3 games.
by runningquicklynowhere on Nov 9, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
good point...
it was at that time I started wondering, "where’s Brian Campbell.’
puck moving defenseman help a lot with that puck control.
I seem to remember alot of ledge jumping druing the March "collapse" that season
Hawks were ONE game under .500 and there were posts questioning if they were even going to make the playoffs.
I am more along this train of thought overall
Though, I still contend the PP is massively broken and that is an area of concern-panic. That is one area that cannot go on any longer without some significant changes, not players but how it is played.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 9, 2011 5:49 PM CST up reply actions
true
Of course they have issues. All teams have issues.
But a three-game skid doesn’t mean that the coach is losing the team or any such nonsense like that. Perspective, people.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
Most of this isn't just a product of this three game skid
its that they haven’t really looked convincing in any of the games they’ve played. Its that they have, at many times, a look similar to last year in which there were games that it was clear the team was going through the motions. It is that in games this year, the team has yet to show any killer instinct.
Well...
They weren’t always incredibly convincing in the cup year either.
That said I think they are missing some workers and they are missing one top 4 puck moving d man. Possibly a 2nd line center too.
I don't get
the “second line center” talk. Seems like they’re searching for another winger to put on the top 6 more than a center.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
I think they take the best forward they can find
Center or wing, it doesn’t matter. We just need a legitimate top-6 forward who can keep up with his mates. A defensively-responsible center who can win faceoffs would be ideal, in my opinion, but if it’s not in the cards then I certainly won’t cry over getting a winger instead.
Oh come on
Killer instinct, really?
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
did you just tell us all to take a chill pill?
Agreed – hey, st louis has beaten Vancouver twice in the past two weeks. It’s not like they’re a total bunch of slobbering slackards with a neanderthal mindset. They got some hockey players over there also.
One other thing that’s on my mind, I think teams reach a little deeper when playing the Hawks. They sort of have a X on their back after winning the Cup.
There is no such thing as an automatic win in this league. i don’t have a real good feeling heading into Columbus, because I believe the Jackets have not thrown in the towel, despite their dismal record. And wouldn’t they just love to keep the hawks on a skid.
How many teams would you say there are in the league right now that can step on the ice and dominnte the opposition? hell, Washington got trounced by a team last night that most of us didn’t give a chance of making the playoffs.
by wardrums on Nov 9, 2011 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Vancouver Canucks 2010-2011 President Trophy Champions
Just sayin
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 6:30 PM CST up reply actions
Coach Q is setting himself up for
burning another hole in his belly. Seems to me, the core of this team needs to right the ship a bit. Here we go on the circus trip, years ago we used to loath them. This may be the best thing for them at this juncture… A bunch of wins, a lot of bonding and a just some good old fun to boot!
Lets go Blackhawks!
"How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."
by thepuckstopshere31 on Nov 9, 2011 12:13 PM CST reply actions
Could it be more obvious?
Each and every one of us in here said toews needs to jam the puck at the net every once in a while, the hawks need to mix it up. How has it not gone through their heads yet?
it isn't a question of knowing the play
they’re all supremely talented, amazing hockey players. They just don’t have the energy or will to do the hard things in games.
that isn't the issue.
The issue is they always try the back door play when the puck is down low and always try to pass the puck through a totally disciplined box when the puck is up high.
yeah,
but the reason they do that is because they aren’t mentally present enough to do the harder thing, which is move their feet to create a lane, drive the net to create a scramble, or just see different plays.
I wonder..
how much is it a distraction for players to have new linemates every couple days. Some would say that professionals should be able to adjust but maybe some consistency with the lines would help bring consistency with the team. Trying to find that “spark” sometimes leads to no reaction at all.
Now that Sammy is gone, who will tell Sweden to fuck off?
thats a concern that's been voiced around here
and it isn’t without merit. If it is causing the general… lackadaisical approach to the game, than it is a problem. If it isn’t causing it, it is secondary to the problem.
I think that this is a large part of the issue
Q is so line jumble happy that with new players/roles it takes time to get used to everyone out there, where they like to play, how they move the puck, their shot tendencies all go into making a line gel. Now changing that line every single game or multiple times in the same game aren’t going to fix that.
I think Q is in his head too much. He needs to remember that he is a good coach and has a team of good and great players. Let them figure it out on the ice, they can adjust once they have time to figure it out but trying to figure it out from behind the bench obviously isn’t working. I think he needs to leave the lines alone for about 3 games and see what he really has.
Chicago homer since conception in '87
The best and fastest way to learn a sport is to watch and imitate a champion.
-- Jean-Claude Killy
Cannots take note^
by TazerNation19 on Nov 9, 2011 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
excellent point
they are professional and they can adjust.. but adjusting and excelling are two very different things..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
But there hasn't really been a whole lot of jumbling
this season, with the exception of the last couple games. The 3rd line was intact until the last game, the 4th line has had Kruger and Mayers most of the year, and Kane and Hossa were together for most of the year. The only ones who’ve really changed much have been Stalberg, Sharp and Carcillo. Maybe Brunette too.
Shots from the point
I’ll freely admit I’m no expert when it comes to analyzing hockey, but what percentage of the Hawks’ shots from the point get through to the net (or at least don’t get blocked)?
If they could somehow manage to increase that number, I think a lot more things start going their way. The PP starts converting, puck possession improves, etc… Instead, the D-men usually either avoid taking the shot, leading to a bunch of perimeter passing that often goes nowhere; or they take the shot and it gets blocked, occasionally leading to a breakaway by the opponents.
I don’t know how to fix this particular problem, unfortunately.
maybe if we had 2 d-men on the point it might make a difference
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe, but Duncan Keith was in my head as I wrote that
It’s not just the forwards having this problem. Then my frustration is compounded when the opposing team is able to get those shots on net.
I think it was the Tampa game,
although we didn’t score on the PP at least it didn’t look clown shoes. Hossa was on the point instead of Sharp. We need more of that.
Not many would be my assessment.
I think you’re alluding to this anyways, but maybe I’ll try and uncircle the logic behind the Hawks point shot deficiencies…
Far too often the puck comes back to the point man (PP and ES) and he cocks his stick, pauses and throws it back around the boards. This tells me a couple of things. First, in the eyes of the D-Man, the shot isn’t worth taking at that moment – more than likely because there is no net presence. A 50’ unscreened shot is generally a waste of time unless the goalie is coughing up rebounds. It also tells me that the forwards are more interested on positioning themselves on the perimeter (by design or nature) than getting to the front of the net when the point man has the puck. It only takes one guy and he doesn’t have to be cemented there like Tim Kerr/Dave Andreychuk or Ciccarelli either. Half the time a decent fly-by will help.
IMO when point shots are blocked (and I’m guilty of my first reaction being “Fcuk Keith find a damn hole!”) there is usually more to it than the d-men finding shin-pads… they are trying to wait for that net presence to develop. Longer you have to wait, more likely the shot will be interrupted.
The catch 22 in this point man progression of act/react is that many times the puck reaches him, he moves laterally, cocks the stick, pauses, forwards finally get there, lane closes simultaneously and he gently throws the puck back around the boards to… no one (or the defender). Since PK’ing is innately easier than PP’ing (requirement differences being get puck, shoot hard as possible vs. get puck, control puck, look for open ice/player) those 50/50 pucks end up on Crawford’s stick. I’ve seen crash and bang powerplays that generate a lot of chaos down low with military like volleys of ammo raining in from the blue that produce no concrete results either. So it’s not paramount that it be done or that the entire mindset be changed, just mix your approach up a little bit (the canned interview response being "keep things simple and get pucks to the net). Problem is that the approach isn’t really anymore simple and for some players it may be more difficult to excel at. For the past couple seasons the Hawks PP has been less reliant on point shot modelled PP’s which is ok, but any PP requires the offensive team to dictate the movement, if you’re relying on the back-door pass – fine, but at some point in that system you have to force your way into space which allows that pass to open (Sam’s write-up mentioned Toews forcing his way to the net from behind the goal-line resulting in a broken back-door rebound or the defensive coverage having to cheat to guard against this from happening thereby opening up the backdoor pass – bang on assessment IMO).
For me the more troubling thing is the lack of movement… but that’s a whole other can of worms and this comment is too long anyhow. Sorry.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 9, 2011 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
I thought about that vs. Van
When I watch other teams play it seems like they pass the puck around with ease on their PP. When the Hawks pass it’s like a free for all out there. Anyone have any idea as to why this happens?
No worries, this was the plan all along!
Well, I think a good start...
… would be gaining the zone confidently. If you’re going to ring the boards, your cross ice forward better be going like a bat out of hell and be supported by a lateral forward (in case the puck jumps to the middle of the ice) and the far d-man getting to the blue quickly as well. None of this “oh we’re gonna skate it in, but now there’s no where to go, maybe I’ll dump it in shit”. That’s never working.
And if you’re gonna carry it in, fine (put it in the hands of Kane and let him dangle and stall 10 feet in from the blue) but in order for that to work you need a guy driving the net 100% of the time. Essentially, that guy is busting the PK’s zone coverage. Someone has to account for the streaker thereby allowing the PP to set up before the PK can get into some kind of box or box+pressure formation. If the streaker’s not covered, throw it on net or to him. Bottom line, movement. Quick and with purpose.
I hate saying this but watch Van’s PP. You’ve nearly always got Honk or Donk with the puck crossing the blueline and one of the resident jackwad’s Kesler or Burrows flying into the zone. Very committed to their plan. Enter the zone with precision, and you will be able to move the puck around the opposition’s zone with precision because they will always be reacting to your pace rather than the other way around.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 9, 2011 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I have a question for the hockey coaches.
People here complain about the Hawks playing 4 forwards on the PP. While I don’t really care what the Hawks do, as long as it works, I do have a question about this. If the Hawks play with 4 forwards shouldn’t they line up in a strategy that best uses 4 forwards? The complaint I hear is that the Hawks don’t use something like a 1-3-1 but put out 4 forwards, anyway.
Could maybe the coaches explain the different strategies of the power play and talk about the differences based on whether there is a 4th forward or 2nd d-man?
I’m not a coach, but my sense is that the 4th forward—on our team—is in every case a better puck handler, a puck possessor, so to speak. I think the theory is that this is going to simultaneously give a PP more offensive power, more creativity under pressure, and more stability, especially if your PP is not built around shots from the point, which ours clearly is not. If we had more powerful and more accurate shooters on d, then I think you’d see Q much more willing to play with 3 forwards.
The counter to this is that a 4th forward is going to be less practiced at keeping in a puck along the boards. I don’t really completely buy this myself, but there is the obvious problem in defending against short-handed chances.
www.mjt.org
My point
Is that if you are going to play with two players on the blueline boards than why play with 4 forwards?
If you only have one d-man than play with one at the center of the Blue line and have someone in the high slot and someone at the goalie. You know, what everyone else tries to do with 4 forwards. I’m not a coach so I wanted someone who was, who could maybe explain that better.
I think it’s more personnel for us, is all I’m saying, instead of formation. I don’t think Q feels like we have three defenseman who can consistently handle the puck well enough, or get enough significant shots through.
www.mjt.org
better make sure that 4th forward can skate backwards
or get back fast. Van tried its PP with Sammy a few times and while he had a hard shot, he had trouble playing defence when the puck left the zone.
Now that Sammy is gone, who will tell Sweden to fuck off?
yes!
let’s get Kane in there!…. Fuuuuucckk
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I think Chico has voiced my sentiment
It would appear the coaches feel that the most dangerous attacking group is 4 forwards on the top unit (probably a fair assessment). I’m not sure formation is necessarily dictated by personnel, but having four forwards out there (IMO) tends to draw 4 men down lower in the zone (just their natural instincts taking over). I don’t really see this as a problem as long as they commit to movement and don’t take too many adverse risks while possessing the puck.
Being a defensemen myself, I always quiver a bit when I see a 4th forward out there. If you talk to most forwards put into the position of last man back on the blue-line and they will tell you hanging onto the puck is a nervy experience (regardless of stick handling ability). It’s my sense that they’re slightly less responsive to pressure in that specific location than a d-man who does it all game long (pressure on the half wall is different because, well, forwards deal with that all game long). My own thought is that you’re adding a bit more risk, with minimal added advantage when a 4th forward mans the line.
You are next.
OK I guess I'll ask my question directly then.
If you have 4 forwards playing, with Brunette screening the goalie, why don’t the Hawks play Toews in the high slot in a 1-3-1 format? They only occasionally do that. Toews seems born for that role.
Then you have Hossa and Sharp as snipers. Instead you have Sharp or Hossa playing a d-man position which never made any sense to me. I just think the Hawks should match strategy to their players. They don’t seem to do that.
I think you raise a fair point.
What you’ve described does make sense (particularly two shooters on their off wing) as long as Hossa/Sharp are cognisant of pucks ringed around the boards that a more centrally positioned d-men would have no chance at keeping in (e.g. it would require either of them, at times, to act as a pointman).
That system basically removes Kane from the equation although you could replace Hossa with him (both left shots – ideally you’d like to have two righties and two lefties on every PP). Like any set system though, the players positioning can’t remain static, if the two off-wingers (Sharp/Hossa) don’t really move much a collapsed box (read: tight) will eat this alive by preventing any passing lanes from opening (working perpendicular to seams instead of through them). Essentially, you’ve isolated Toews (high slot) and Brunette (net presence) and you’re basically running a 3 on 4 on the perimeter. Let me back track by saying that I’m not implying that your suggestion was running this formation without movement (I think we all understand that movement during a hockey game is a must). Having players rotating up top and down low creates confusion for the defence, but it can also leave attackers out of their comfort zone (e.g. Brunette along the half wall, or Kane in the crease). The principle idea with icing your most skilled 5 players is that they can readily adapt to being "out of position" (comfort zone) and still do the right thing with the puck (and your net presence probably has the leeway of a 10 foot radius around the net to move anyway). The reason I like 2 d-men is that when this motion occurs you are almost always left with a natural d-man at the blue-line (despite free flowing movement). If you’re running 4 forwards, and one d-man is always at the point then that movement is constrained somewhat. I guess what I’m saying is that I much prefer running two D, but I also feel that within the teams movement, there should always be support for the puck carrier (you don’t want him to be isolated 1 on 1) so even with our example, I think Toews and Brunette should be required to drift out of their positions (out wide) in support of whichever side of the ice the puck is on.
Personally, I’ve always like playing an overload, where you’ve got two "shooters" (same handedness) that the opposition knows will try to cut through seams and get open in a high/low manner on their off-wing. You’re purposely telegraphing your intent with the hope that they over commit to one of your shooters and at the same time you’re maintaining support of your own puck carrier (the overload on the side opposite to where the shooters are eventually going to get to). It also gives the freedom of having more movement behind the net which has to draw the goalies attention (even if only for a second) which means he losses the location of where shooters are setting up in front of him (other than, perhaps, wrongfully assuming the danger is going to come from the off-winger where the real danger may be the guy that drifted shortside on the goalie). Lets face it, you can have all the tick-tack-toe cross-seam passing in the world but if the goalie is squared to the shooter you’re not scoring.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 10, 2011 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
I was always big on having good 2 way D men - and NEVER used 4 forwards on a PP
The one exception was a Bantam group season where I had 2 forwards recently converted from D (they had decided they weren’t going to be big enough to get Jr scout attention at D, and moved to F) – both were excellent, albeit undersized, D and I felt I lost nothing having one (or both) of them on the points
I simply never felt 4 forwards was a benefit on the PP
Fighting stupidity since 1958 (its a much bigger project than originally envisioned).
Confusion will be my epitaph.
It needs more cowbell.
Yeah, actually.
Although I didn’t coach last year (nor this year). I still assist with a friend’s team when time permits.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 9, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
Could you please put in your resume with the Hawks?
I’m only semi-joking.
by flahawkfan on Nov 9, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
especially the part about d-men waiting for someone to start sniffing around the net...
instinctively this makes sense but we tend to forget about it when we grow impatient.
“get puck, control puck, look for open ice/player”
I’m not disputing this recipe, M7, not even a little, but we’re making it appear far more difficult to do than it really is. Part of it, as you allude to, is that we don’t have a set method for entering the zone, and when you lack confidence to begin with that further puts pressure on a player to be in the right place immediately, so to speak, without hesitation, and yet the more pressure the more hesitant you can become. Even one player in the five who’s hesitant getting into position—that’s enough to throw a wrench in the whole thing. If one or two players spend a half-second reacting instead of simply moving toward where they need to be, the PK is going to get a stick on a puck or beat a player to position. Simplifying, for me, means dumping the thing in every single time, so that both opposite forwards know every single time where they need to be skating, where the puck will be.
However, that means no Brunette, or not as a lead forecheck anyway. I’m a big fan of a set line instead of a stacked line taking PP time when a team is struggling. They know each other slightly better, there’s no change of mindset in what each player does. And you’re 5 on 4; even without a stacked PP line, 19/81/x and 88/10/y (or whatever 2 main pairs) will be able to gain control more often than not if you have Keith on unit one and Leddy on unit 2 carrying the puck up far enough to dump. But then again, we seem to have no set lines right now, which compounds things.
That’s simplifying things in my mind. Q, or Kitchen/Havilland, should be saying “THIS, this is what we’re doing every PP. Do not alter.”
www.mjt.org
I agree.
Simplifying things starts with the coaches simplfying the interactions between players as you state. When things go badly for most teams (a season, a few games, a couple periods, every power play) we always hear that they’re “flat” (without movement, or movement without purpose). I think you can break that down into 5 causes that can coexist:
1 – Not good enough (I don’t buy that with this squad)
2 – New line-mates (quite likely – last night there were 5 newer forwards out there against the Snooze – Carcillo, Mayers, Brunette, Olescz, Kruger). New line-mates often result in others (or themselves) standing still while they wait for each other to do something and it stems from not knowing ones tendencies – and at the end of the day, some guys just cannot play together and bemoan the (bad) coach who continues to play ice them on a line.
3 – Constant line juggling. Yeah this throws Q under the bus, but always fucking with the lines becomes very tiresome. Especially when results can be out of your hands to a certain degree some nights.
4 –Not understanding the system/responsibilities. You’d think professionals would be above this but I think old habits can be extremely hard to break.
5 – No direction from above (this speaks to your last point) – do this every PP, do not alter and it starts with practicing it fully.
I think 2 thru 5 could be valid to varying degree’s in the Hawks case. The thing with the PP is that it is really, truly the only time in a game that a team can stake a claim to possessing the puck. Designing up scheme’s can be somewhat futile as a PP needs to be very dynamic in it’s movement. Movement confuses defensive responsbilites, movement behind the net blinds the goalie to what happens in front of the net. Support your teammates (you should always out-number the opposition in every puck battle), get the puck deep (a 50/50 battle on the blueline will end up “out” 50% of the time whereas the same battle in the corner won’t), work the seams (move through them to blow apart coverage), and make as many short (read: easy) passes as possible. Never lose possession attempting a risky play, and play to your strengths. It all starts with entering the zone fluidly and with purpose, perhaps that isn’t being stressed enough. To be honest (and I’ve never played or coached near the NHL level) we practiced gaining the zone way more than what we would do in it.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 9, 2011 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
Just wanted to say, from a lurker: great comments from M7. Really informative for a schmo like myself who loves the game but has never actually played it.
This year.
Goaltender is a normal job. Sure. How would you like it if at your job, every time you made the slightest mistake a little red light went on over your head and 18,000 people stood up and screamed at you? - Jacques Plante
like your sig!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 10, 2011 1:16 AM CST up reply actions
I just learned more about the PP than I have in (insert long span of time here)
Thanks M7
Lead writer for BlackhawkUp. Follow me on Twitter. Delusions of grandeur.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Nov 10, 2011 9:26 AM CST up reply actions
Sweet Jebus. Montador working with the Hawks PP.....as a forward.
Yes, its come to this.
Cheertheanthem.com
is it so q can still run '4' forwards
and still say he has a forward at the point?
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
Its like EDZO says!
On the PP….The D are the forwards and the forwards are the D!
Cheertheanthem.com
if I were you
I’d bring my skates to the UC next time and try to catch Q’s eye.. you might end up on the second unit at this rate..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:51 PM CST up reply actions
attention everyone..
buy shares in Jim Beam and Marlboro.. their sales are about to skyrocket
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
why can't we have 19-88-81
I know that stacks the first unit, but damn maybe if we do, we don’t even have the use the 2nd.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 9, 2011 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
easy answer
Because two great lines is better than one super-great line.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
agreed
much as I’d love to see the pant-soiling terror that that line would inflict on the opposing D..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
ah
you’re right. Misread the question.
Same logic applies though. 19-88-81 isn’t going to score every time or anything – they’re only out there half the two minutes most of the time. You still need a functional second unit if you can put one together. Now you’re left with 36-10-15(?) and that looks ugly to me. Actually Bolland on the PP seems ugly to me in general, occasional shorty aside.
I might not be opposed to it short-term just to see if they can kickstart things, though.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
wait..
are we talking PP or PK here?
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
fuck it
I’m tired.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
don't know why 88
would be on the PK though, so I assume ahnfire meant PP.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
that's what I'm assuming...
but I thought we were talking about even strength lines at first so I clearly have shit for brains!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
well he was on the PK yesterday for a little bit
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
ah.
mmD is right, I messed that up. I meant on the PP.
fails all around! mostly on me though. sigh.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
it's clearly contagious..
the Clown Shoes spread just by mentioning the PP
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I have no clue what you speak of.
/peeks down to check footwear
//still sneakers, phew.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
ah..
but are they subtly getting longer?.. do you have an urge to get into a really small car with a lot of other people? is your first thought, when carrying a ladder, to swing it around wildly? if you answer Yes to any of these please consult a Professional (i.e. a Bartender)
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Did someone say bartender?
I just picked up a bottle of Scotch, a bottle of Goose, and a bottle of Knot. I’m hoping that gets me through the next game.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Nov 9, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
Another showing like the last 2
and you’ll be heading back out by the 2nd intermission.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
meths.. that's the way forward
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
We don't even have 1 great line right now, let alone 2
Some changes need to be made. Why not try that until the PP gets going again?
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
What!!?
How about the moron throws out kane-toews-sharp seabrook-keith.
Then hossa-brunette-bickell-bolland-leddy. (2nd unit can change but the first should be something like that)
I have to admit, I kept wondering why we didn't get DDN for at least a PP
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
Practicing lines today
25-19-81
13-88-10
29-16-67
15-22-85
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 12:50 PM CST reply actions
Oh shit i forgot Bolland got hurt last night
Any word on him? However I like the lines today just wish rotate 36 for 16 there and 85 is out and 16 on 4th
Why Q, why?!
"Watching a shootout is like admitting you watch Survivor or search the internet for porn."
I thought Olesz looked energetic last night … as effective as antone else, unfortunately, but I thought he was one of the few who was really moving his legs and getting to pucks.
www.mjt.org
well he should be
His legs are definitely well rested.
Chicago homer since conception in '87
The best and fastest way to learn a sport is to watch and imitate a champion.
-- Jean-Claude Killy
Cannots take note^
by TazerNation19 on Nov 9, 2011 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
probably atrophied at this point..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
genius!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
He came out and played last night after that
so it may just be rest/maintenance?
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
Hopefully
It’s possible that it swelled after the game, but even then I think we should be happy that there isn’t something structurally wrong. I almost crapped my pants when Edzo’s fill-in mentioned “achilles” after watching the replay.
i think it's badly swollen...
You don’t leave the ice like Bolland did and do triple axles the next day.
I thought the shot hit the boot. Is anyone sure where the puck hit Bolland?
Bolland?
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
verrrry interstink..
..but stoopid…
me no like.
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
Assuming Bolland is alright and this is a rest day after that stinger
This is a step in the right direction. There are four pairs of players that need to be together at even strength at all times: 81-19, 88-10, 36-67, 2-7. The gaps can be mixed and matched. But Bruno on the 4th line does no one any good.
Second City Hockey
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame
I honestly can’t figure out where I’d like to see Bruno at this point, though. I think the top 6 hope has just not panned out. I do think he can help on the 1st unit PP still, but without a consistent, controlling forecheck he just hasn’t been able to find a good spot with Toews. Maybe he works better with Kane’s circling?
www.mjt.org
Don't you sort of think that Bruno will be up there with Toews and Hossa fairly quickly though?
Cheertheanthem.com
I just think Bruno shouldn’t be on the same line as Sharpy. Their styles of play definitely do not work well together.
by aeroplane on Nov 9, 2011 10:50 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I'm probably hugely wrong
but, IMO, you keep Hossa with Kane and Carbomb.. to my (unschooled) eyes they’re really enjoying their hockey together..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Yes Yes Yes and Yes
How can something so obvious be so hard for them to figure out?
I agree Bruno on the 4th line = Bad
But TBO, that 88-10 one concerns me, not in the Offensive zone so much, but the defensive zone. Kaner has come along way, but he can pick up Shooters lack of D-Zone play at times? I am not sure reward > Cost.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 9, 2011 5:54 PM CST up reply actions
Seriously
There are certain “memes” out there that don’t have any stats to back them up. Toews and Hossa have been a plus when playing together but in no way have they been dominant. Not compared to Toews and Kane, and to be honest, not compared to how Hossa and Kane have been together.
And Kane and Sharp have NOT shown much when Sharp was at center. They were hugely negative playing together. Sharp has really only shown chemistry in the past when playing with Toews.
And the 2-7 stuff has been beaten to death…
I think the "meme" you're referring to was the "Hammer of the Gods" line two years ago
It was awesome for like two weeks, but there’s also a good reason why we didn’t reassemble that line except for the couple times Q hit the line slot machine in the playoffs.
I know I wrote about those stats already.
Hossa had a +5 goal differential with and without Toews. Sharp had a +27 goal differential with and without Toews. And Kane had a +35 goal differential with and without.
That's a good start.
I would switch 29 and 22 and double shift a center in order to play the fourth liners a little.
I can't even front
I’m going to miss 88-81 a lot if this sticks.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
with you on that one..
I think 88-81 was one of the few bright points against the Nucks..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
one of the few bright spots in general past few games for me, really
My preference was always 19-88, but I’m really liking 88-81 —> any of those 2 configurations work for me to be honest, but 88-81 just look like they are having fun and have gelled really well
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
that's it..
there’s a ‘Fun’ element there.. Hoss is positively rejuvenated, trying all manner of neat things.. Kane is everywhere, including his own Zone and even hitting people mutants.. and carbomb has been a revelation playing with those guys.. when that line clicks it’s got to be among the best lines available anywhere.. this is my dumb opinion anyway
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
If it works...
I’ll take “Winning” over “Fun” any day!
"Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet"
oh yeah..
but, as was mentioned in earlier posts, the lines need some consistency and this one has “Win” all over it… they just need to play together more..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Yeah, I mean obviously the goal is to win
but that was a fun and exciting line. Crazy things happened whenever they were on the ice. And I agree that Hossa looked very rejuvenated. Kane looked more defensively responsible, and the black magic was turned up to 11. It’ll be a bummer to not get that anymore.
Plus I’ll always like saying that Kane was the center Hossa needed/
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
this^
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
me too
but I think this is probably the best solution otherwise.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Oh hey
Brunette where he belongs! Still don’t know what the hell Stals is doing on the top line.
I didn’t catch Bolly getting injured. I saw him take the shot to the leg but saw him skating again after that. Didn’t know it was anything serious.
by Ban on Nov 9, 2011 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
I really thought he was done for after that shot block
since he couldn’t put weight on the leg when he skated off – but he obviously took more shifts in the game after, so was pretty happy.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
Can we not all guess what quenville will say at this point?
MAINTENANCE DAY
cue hurried
erection of scaffolding around Scott..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
is it
because I said “Erection”? it is, isn’t it…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Dick Pound
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
power play
Even with a completely dysfunctional power play, they’re still top 10 in the league goals/game. They’ve been fine at even strength for most of the season.
As for puck possession, they’ve been negative Corsi as a team I think 4 times this season, and 3 of those are in the last four games. That’s a bad stretch, but is it representative of who they are? I don’t think so.
Their problem is that they’re just giving up too many goals. They’ve scored only one more than they’ve allowed despite having a relatively healthy shot differential (6th best in the league). Crawford’s been weak lately, and there’ve been a lot of sloppy defensive breakdowns.
That’s a problem, sure, but like I said upthread, no team is perfect. Some well-discussed and relatively minor issues aside, I just don’t see the PROBLEM here beyond a weak of shitty play. It’s a bad stretch of games. It happens.
If it continues, then obviously we have a PROBLEM on our hands. But if they can get the PP to at least average (which doesn’t seem like much to ask), and tighten up the defense a bit (ditto), then this team will be just fine.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
Other than their special teams woes
this has been the biggest problem of the past five games.
Crawford’s been weak lately
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
i agree somewhat
Special teams, obviously … but I do think Crawford’s play has been really exacerbated by the defensive play.
www.mjt.org
Right
but when he bailed them out last year with saves, he hasn’t done that in his last couple starts. Hardly the stuff to slice our wrists about but his arrow is definitely trending downward right now.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:11 PM CST up reply actions
I dunno..
I didn’t see last night’s game but I think he’s doing OK considering what he’s had thrown at him.. how many breakaways, for instance?
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
The breakaway saves are kind of meaningless
if he continues to let in 45 foot wrist shots.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:15 PM CST up reply actions
point taken!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
That was our beef with Tony-O
a few decades ago.
Yep, he hasn't looked comfortable for a few games now
On another note, the Hawks have only held an opponent to fewer than two goals in one game. I’d like to see the defense and goalie play improve so we can see that improve. It seems like they’re giving up the first goal a lot, and also a lot of shots, many of them far more open than I’d prefer.
2 or fewer is the key
Demanding more games where they only give up one goal or a shutout will leave you perpetually disappointed.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:26 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed in principle
but “more than one” doesn’t seem like a whole lot to ask. I mean, PP aside the Hawks have a good offense and they’ve been held to 1 or 0 three times.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
All I care about is the win
I’m not demanding anything. What I was trying to say is that it’d be nice because it likely means they’re playing better in their own end. I guess it’d be more clear if I had just said that I want the play to improve, which will by itself lead to more 0/1 GA games.
I still say Oshie's shot had wickedness written all over it.
Dumb question, but is the top of the circle 45 feet?
Pretty close
Dot is 22 ft from center of net so 19 ft from closest side.
Circle is 40 ft plus 2 feet to goalie line.
So square root of (19 squared plus 42 squared) or around 46 ft to the near post.
This shot is just at the start of the corsi box, btw. So according to Corsi you are right at the line between goals and regrettable goals…
by DaleHalas on Nov 9, 2011 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Corsi box
Corsi is a goalie coach. The Corsi statistic is named after him since it was derived from one of the stats he uses for goalies.
Corsi believes goals given up outside of the faceoff dot/hashmarks or above the faceoff circles are goals a goalies would want back. So outside of that box are “regrettable” goals.
Isn't the circle only 30' and 5' from the goal line (not 40' and 2')?
So 41’ ft from top of circle.
Lead writer for BlackhawkUp. Follow me on Twitter. Delusions of grandeur.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Nov 9, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
you missed a bit..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Yeah, seems like it
Why are you guys measuring from the post and not the center of the net? Is that how Corsi is measured?
Lead writer for BlackhawkUp. Follow me on Twitter. Delusions of grandeur.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Nov 9, 2011 8:58 PM CST up reply actions
Nope
As far as I know, Corsi isn’t measured in distance. He just looks at total shots, breakaways (regardless of whether there was a shot or not) and shots inside the box.
Was going to give the distance to both posts and just got lazy. Wasn’t home at the time and that happens a lot on the laptop…
Crawford has been a concern from me lately. Cheating down low a lot, sloppy stick work, juicy rebounds and slow lateral speed. Might be a phase he corrects, but I’ve not fully been comfortable with him since the start of the season.
by aeroplane on Nov 9, 2011 10:59 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I recall he went through a stretch like this last year as well
I think he’ll pick things back up, although some better defensive play will help that out tremendously
Exactly
I was merely pointing out that when their goalie plays average and their power play meanders, of course they’re going to look like a mediocre team.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:20 PM CST up reply actions
Not sure if it's energy, desire, tuning out Q, staying out too late at night.....
Whatever it is, these last two games simply looked liked the other team was pursuing relentlessly and we weren’t. On the PP, the Blues were overplaying the puck like crazy, sometimes sending two guys at him. At one point on the Hawks PP last night one of our forwards had the puck down in the corner in the Blues zone. All FOUR of the Blues killers were on that side of the net, with three of them attacking the puck carrier. Perhaps that’s NOT what you typically want to do on a penalty kill, but they got the puck away and cleared it. Basically, they just attacked our powerplay unit with abandon. And it seemed that way for much of the Nucks game as well, except they attacked like that at even strength too. Sam’s right, we need the forecheck to make regular appearances again, but the pursuit needs to be ALL OVER the ice. Lately, we haven’t been doing that.
Thank you Boston for saving us from a dreadful summer! Now, GO HAWKS!!!
Also felt like timing was way off
I think it was after one of the PPs, Kane was clearly exhausted when it was done, but he stayed on and had a good rush up the ice. Got to the other end and he had no support because everyone was changing, and then he got stripped of it. Definitely felt like the Blues were all over the ice and our players, pursuing the puck, and we just weren’t.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
Bolly is questionable for tomorrow
via the twitters.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
@TramyersCSN Dave Bolland day to day, questionable for tomorrow vs #CBJ. Blocked shot off right foot last night. #Blackhawks
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
jeez..
I’m glad I bought a whole bunch of wine today..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I'll assume he's out
Just better not see Scott out on D. Were the d pairings in practice 2-7, 4-8, 20-5?
Why Q, why?!
"Watching a shootout is like admitting you watch Survivor or search the internet for porn."
there isn't
enough wine in the world to counter that…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
ugh hawks, why can't you all stay healthy
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
get him up here now!!!!
just kidding..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I saw him in practice last week. Big body. What I heard from locals was the coaching staff didn’t care for the guy. Morin looked good. Most impressed with Klink and Olsen. Both are huge bodies and I’m not so sure why Klink doesn’t take Scott’s place. It’s not like he needs anymore seasoning in the A.
by aeroplane on Nov 9, 2011 11:03 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
While I can agree
with hits being subjective and that the Hawks are not really that team, and I may be mistaken but when the time came there were always a few players that could give it just as well as the Hawks were taking it, and I think that is sorely missing right now.
Im not looking for a goon squad out there but when the hits do start coming, I would like someone to be able to give a few back and other than Carcillo and Mayers nightly fight I’m not seeing it.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
No one ever demanded that Ladd or Byfuglien be more physical
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Nov 9, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
Good point.
It’s not the losses that bother me, I didn’t expect an undefeated season no matter how long their beards got, but as a fan (and maybe I don’t deserve this) I do expect some manner of a game plan and an effort to go with it, and the last 2 games have seemed to lack both.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
Meh
That is just not the players the hawks haves game.
Frolik will give it his all but he is not a physical player, that is just not his game.
yup
we didn’t win the Big Silver Thing through hitting people (although it was a part of it).. we won it by passing the opposition to death.. and we need to get back to that.. an improved forecheck would help though..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Speaking of passing
Is it me or has that been very poor as well. I don’t seem to remember as many missed passes, passes into other players skates, or just plain fanning on a pass in the past as I have been seeing this season.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
you mean they're not aiming for the skates
or 3 feet in front of a guy’s stick or for the opposing player’s stick? The passing has been piss poor.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
maybe it's a betting thing?
“Hey Hjammer.. bet I can hit that guys skate from here, eh?”
“Njo Wjay, Djude!”
hiissssss… crack!
“Waaaay! you owe me ten bucks, buddy!”
(lousy sound effects and stereotypes are the authors own)
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
And WTF is up
with someone always trying to make one extra pass in or around the slot when they have a shot that can be taken.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
on the PP it sometimes seems to be taking forever
just for them to set up a damn shot – on goal, no less.
you are not alone..
there appears o be a large malfunction going on..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I think
last year was worse in this regard.
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
Sample sizes are all whack here
It was decent:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20103ALLSAAALL&sort=powerPlayPercentage&viewName=summary
But I think our PK was even better.
Yes they did.
People were constantly on Byfuglien for not using his size. There were many nights that he was not physical. When he wanted to, he could be a terror on the wing. But it didn’t happen often. Ladd did add a physical presence, but no way Buff did enough.
I disagree. Was he a Conn Smythe candidate, no. But if MVP was restricted to the Vancouver and San Jose series, he’d have won it unanimously, and most of that was due to physical play. He had some quieter games, too, but they weren’t all quiet in Nashville, and not all quiet against Philly … which was so oddly wide open for the most part that no one from either team was consistently dominant from a physical standpoint.
www.mjt.org
Not during the year
And as you said for one or two series there might not have been complaints. But there were all kinds of complaints about Buff, in particular, during the season.
Definitely
during the season, absolutely. I missed the point there then, I thought we were talking about playoffs.
www.mjt.org
Agree and disagree
They definitely had guys that could play physical but when it came to regular season hockey that was more about changing momentum than punishing the other team.
Come playoff time I think guys need to be physical. The ghost of mike keenan (I know he’s alive but go with it) has to come into the locker room, choke every player and tell them they have to hit.
I seem to remember
lots of players hitting if it was called for it. Even Sharpy who seems like he is allergic to contact at the moment
No worries, this was the plan all along!
In the regular season?
I remember sharp dishing out the occasional hit in the regular season and actually playing physical come playoff time. Same can be said of bolland, toews, hossa, and a few other guys.
Just saw this on twitter
via Sassoone
Hjalmarsson only has 11 hits this year, Sharpy has 17.
Chicago Blackhawks: No Longer Rusted Steel on Slush!
Yea!
I mean he seems to be more timid ever since his suspension last year. He also doesn’t hold the puck like he used too.He just fires it up the boards/ice now That suspension totally messed with him.
/sarcasm
Chicago Blackhawks: No Longer Rusted Steel on Slush!
I just don't understand it.
Has any other player even been suspended and had the sort of issues Hjammer has? Why was Hjammer so bad in the games leading up to Buffalo? Also, why would Hjammer just whither away under the forecheck if he was timid about THROWING hits.
Doesn’t make much sense to me. Its an easy answer to this troubles and thats the only “big” event that Hjammer has had since his regression but I simply don’t buy that excuse.
Cheertheanthem.com
He rocked Langenbrunner last night.
This tells me he will hang on to the puck longer, and hit 50 foot cross-ice passes on the tape starting Thursday.
You are next.
by M7 on Nov 9, 2011 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
No, you're right. He never does anything worthwhile.
He hasn’t had a good game since…since…the Nashville game. Like some other guys. No, let’s just go with the meme, right? Hjammer can’t play at all, Q invented using a forward on the PP point,Carcillo is a no talent bonehead who doesn’t deserve to be with this organization, Buff was scary every night he was here. I know there are people who were fans before 2009, but some of these others drive me nuts.
I'm confused
Why Q, why?!
"Watching a shootout is like admitting you watch Survivor or search the internet for porn."
title the pics
especially the big ones like that
Fighting stupidity since 1958 (its a much bigger project than originally envisioned).
Confusion will be my epitaph.
It needs more cowbell.
fail again, kitten
and you’ll be given to TMFF during PP time.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
I believe auntifire
is warning said kitten to not fail again
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
and sometimes
you get boxes of kittens show up at your door with a note saying “Ain’t you that Hammer guy?”
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
FAIL FAIL FAIL!!!
I have done run out!
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 9, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
Well played
Yup, this meme is getting to dead horse territory too… he overperformed two years ago but that doesn’t mean Pominville put a hex on him.
...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
Hitting is important
No matter how skilled your team is. It’s not about going out of position to make a hit, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with delivering a good check when the opportunity presents itself. Far too often I see our guys bail and peel off or gently love tap the opponent. There’s a time when that’s acceptable but by no means is it OK for a team to be outhit 14 of 15 games, regardless of how skilled your team may be. And yes, yes, hitting is an objective stat but over the course of a season, you’d expect that bias to even out for all teams.
Mayers is the only one I see hitting anymore and I think he’s pretty good at picking his spots. I know we can’t expect everyone on the team to check, but it’s not unreasonable to expect it from more than one guy.
by Ban on Nov 9, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions
I saw the sig and had to Rec...what type of Jedi mind trickery is this? Can you use it on Q?
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
I think that the writing on the wall is clear
We need a top 6 forward. This probably won’t happen for a few months, but the Hawks are going to have to do something to get Toews some help. Viktor Stalberg was supposed to be this, but it’s clear he is not yet or will never be it. We have a ton of depth in our minors but is anyone there (Hayes/Morin) ready yet? I like Viktor Stalberg, and think he can be a good guy to have on a hockey team but let’s not pretend he is a 1st liner…
So are we officially moving to needing a top 6 winger instead of a 2nd line center now?
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
If you believe in Kaner at C
You can just go after Top 6 Depth, if you believe Kane is best suited at W, then you go after a top 6 C. I believe that Kaner is fine at C. Balls to the wall…. I want Zach Parise. But I don’t think the Hawks can afford him long term without giving up a good amount of salary. So there goes someone like Hjalmarsson + prospects? and if you move Hjalmarsson you need a dman, while we’re heavy in the minors at dman none of those guys are ready (Lalonde, Olson,Connelly) for top 4 minutes. And what we have now is a proper amount of depth for a good team.
Would something like this work?
The biggest downsides to this roster is that it forces guys like Saad and Morin to have to be onto the roster (or find suitable cheap replacements). Saad fills a top 6 role for just under a mil. What happens when Bickell comes up for UFA in 2013-2014? I don’t think we could afford Parise but I think you should at least look into it. I think it’d be great if we could.
What happens in 2-3 years when Crawford comes up for renegotiations? You probably actually have to give up Morin in any deal involving Parise, so he’s probably not actually there maybe Saad too…. There’s some issues with that…. but I don’t know, I think the Hawks are a top 6 winger short this year, but others may disagree.
Parise?
For a 4th defenseman and prospects? If we’re looking for “depth”, I think we need to set our sights slightly lower, or be prepared to offer something immensely better.
www.mjt.org
Devils
Are in cap hell, I’m not saying the Devils would even do it but if they’re fearful of losing him to UFA, maybe he’d come at a bargain. Picks prospects and Hjalmarsson MIGHT be enough.. but I doubt it
cap hell or no
Parise’s price would be dictated by how many teams want him. It’s not like the Hawks would have the bidding to themselves…
Author of The Cubs Transaction Report
I point to the Kovalchuk renegotiations
Not many teams will pay a bounty if they don’t think they can re-sign him at the end of the year.
forward depth, or even forward occupancy
does not matter if the team just isn’t playing at a high level, or even a high level of effort.
well one can argue that skating with more skilled players can get one more motivated to play at that higher level
or even to just calm down and do better. Maybe Toews problem is in fact who he is skating with, and because of that he is trying to do it all. I mean he generally either skated with Kane or with Hossa before, right? And they made each other better, both by being skilled, and by being uber competitive with each other. There was also the trust there that one person didn’t have to do it all by themselves.
I don’t think I really believe that, actually. But I also don’t think the Hawks weren’t trying. I think they were trying but were still terrible, and unfortunately, that shit happens.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
And is it really going to help our defensive zone coverage?
I think that narrows our “needs” down a bit. And I’m not sure outside help has much to do with it.
OT...
Just wanted to show this gem. Im pro I know.. ;) http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/101944322
This looks quite different from the last hockey video game I played,
NHL 94.
Nice shot, btw.
Let's Go Hawks!
lmao
yeah its a bit more 3D than 94 :P
I like the deke on the old fart best though ;)
Pretty interesting
Boudreau makes Caps run 2 hour practice that “put the one portrayed in the movie ‘Miracle’ with Herb Brooks to shame.”
Bag skate!
errrrrrp
Fighting stupidity since 1958 (its a much bigger project than originally envisioned).
Confusion will be my epitaph.
It needs more cowbell.
Really good article from Rosenbloom...Huh? What?
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
Rosie gets a lot of shit. It must all steam from the Cubs and Bears.
He has been generally positive about the Hawks for a long time now.
Cheertheanthem.com
Good words
Do you feel that all the speed they have on that roster is suddenly going all Brent Sopel? Didn’t think so.
and
Calm down, hosers. This is an opportunity, not a death spiral.
Let’s hope so.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Hosers= Badgers
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
I guess, eh?
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
We're kindred spirits.
I go up to the Great White North at least once a year and I like to think I’m a hoser too.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Yes, you are...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
yeah
big fan of this article…. he’s got my viewpoint pretty much down.
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
OK, personal question
Do you work the graveyard shift or do you simply never sleep? Seems like you’re on here day and night. You’re a 24/7 SCHer.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
in other news
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
by ahnfire on Nov 9, 2011 6:48 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Should be "Q and the terrible, no good, very bad couple of weeks"
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
omg that is adorable.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
that is pretty damn sweet..
but boy is it depressing… Beckett-esque in the whole “Futility of our Quotodien Struggle” etc..
Plus, note how he warns the kids about ever fighting… not what we’re looking for, Mr Grind… (:p)
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Sassone brings truth also...
Montador has shown none of the "edge" Bowman boasted he would bring when the GM made the veteran a "priority" to acquire ahead of July 1. Montador has looked shaky and unsure of how to play in the Hawks’ puck possession system.
While it’s still early, there are indications that signing Montador to a four-year, $11 million contract when it was unlikely he would get that kind of money and term anywhere else could wind up being a big mistake by Bowman.
Link, Note, BlockQuote is broken
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
by Saskjet on Nov 9, 2011 6:48 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
If anyone has access to NBC/ Versus tonight, watch the Lightning and Flyers trying to destroy hockey as we know it; Flyers using "stall" tactic while TB keeps 3 forwards at center ice, no one doing anything but standing there...
2 periods of this shit left…
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
uhh
..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
i think its hilarious
but the flyers should just dump it in, the penguins made cake out of the lightning in the first round doing that tactic. Dump it in chase, since they only have one player back he is immediately set upon by the two rushing in.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 7:22 PM CST up reply actions
It's Yzerman and Boucher embarrassing themselves by employing this stupid tactic...make it illegal and while you're at it, legislate that smirk off Boucher's fuckin face...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
fixed
legislate smack that smirk off Boucher’s fuckin face…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 7:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
What I say is:"Enough of the niceties, time for the eye- gouging"...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
that's the way forward..
the Saffas are way ahead of you…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
agreed, 1-3-1 is a candy ass way of playing.
maybe thats why boucher got snubbed for the jack adams last year.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 7:27 PM CST up reply actions
Scotty Bowman was in the booth and said likewise: "Only one forward should be able to skate backward in the neutral zone..."
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
And in OT the Fucklings skating backward to clog and trap and sludge up the place ...so that they can get to the SO and use "innovative" cheat-360-stop'n'go bullshit SannLooee spinnorrrammmaaas to "Win""the""Game"...
Fucksticks!
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
The fuckers "won" in OT...the only goos thing about this is Bryz will say he sucks in 3 languages in the postgame...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
*good
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
The Flyers had a shootout goal
Which I thought looked far more illegal than the one St. Louis pulled on us a year ago. Briere was the culprit.
what.
he full on stopped there.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 9, 2011 10:28 PM CST up reply actions
apparently in whatever dimension the ref was residing in
the goal counted because the puck was never stopped.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Nov 9, 2011 11:04 PM CST up reply actions
Been checking in on Saad every once in a while
He’s got 18 points (9G, 9A) in 8 games played so far. He’s averaging 2.25 points per game, which is the highest PPG in the OHL (2nd highest is 37 points in 17 games for a 2.18 average). I’d like to see Saad keep up that pace.
so would everyone..
and I’m sure he’s going to be an excellent NHL player…but he sure ain’t ready for the big club yet… (I know you’re not suggesting that)
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
So what does he need to do to be ready?
What’s missing from his game that our current crop of forwards all have?
Thank you Boston for saving us from a dreadful summer! Now, GO HAWKS!!!
Size
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 9:29 PM CST up reply actions
some additional maturity (physical, and maybe mental)
Wonder if we see him once his Junior team’s season is done
Fighting stupidity since 1958 (its a much bigger project than originally envisioned).
Confusion will be my epitaph.
It needs more cowbell.
a whole bunch of experience?
and where would you put him?
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I'm asking because
we always hear that this guy’s not ready yet, whether it’s Saad or Leddy or Stals or Smith. Thing is, those guys seem to score goals and have a positive impact when they’re up here. Kane played when he was just a pup and while he is a great talent, he was also a liability a lot out there. But he was given a chance to go ahead and make the mistakes. Some of the supposed “veteran” leadership we’ve acquired lately doesn’t seem to be adding a whole lot. I’m ready to take a kid who will make mistakes but play for his life every night over a veteran presence who really isn’t doing much.
Thank you Boston for saving us from a dreadful summer! Now, GO HAWKS!!!
understood
and this organization is known for taking a punt on “Kids”.. see Tazer and Kane for example.. but I feel that they are the exceptions that prove the rule.. and even if Saad does belong in their company (and he well might, I’m a huge fan), the Hawks shouldn’t be thinking of calling rookies up at this point…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Kane and Toews had more natural talent
and could use it right out of the gate. The other guys don’t have quite that much talent and require more time to develop both physically and skillfully ©.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Saad=/=Kane
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 9:30 PM CST up reply actions
As I said, Kane was a great talent as a rookie.
And I’m not suggesting that Saad is on his level. But I still fail to see how a non-productive veteran who is “settled” and safe in his position is better than a kid who will play his heart out cause he knows he could get sent down. Not to mention that the kids have produced (scored goals) in their short stints with the big club. (An admittedly small sample size.) Perhaps a veteran being benched isn’t enough—bench him and call up a kid to take his spot for a game. Perhaps that will get the vet’s attention. (And I know there are contract considerations, etc.) But isn’t the idea to win? Now? And if Brunette or Monty or O’Donnell (to name a few) aren’t doing much, then why not get someone in here who will? Let’s use some of that depth we keep hearing so much about.
Thank you Boston for saving us from a dreadful summer! Now, GO HAWKS!!!
Toews and Kane are top five picks, HUGE difference between the guys some of you are comparing them to.
LOL @ some of this shit.
I think YOU might be high.
Because I don’t see anyone in this conversation saying that.
Let's Go Hawks!
first, pretty sure this is a Waylon
second, read the conversation again – no one is saying they are the same.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 10, 2011 8:23 AM CST up reply actions
argh
waylon’d
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
and again..
FML
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I know..
anyone would thin it’s 3AM… and I’ve just quit my job! yaay.
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
yeah..
in relation to earlier questions.. twelve hours a day, six days a week as a minimum (and no extra money for this) with nothing but copious amounts of abuse/bullshit from above… maybe I’d have tolerated it if I was 23 years old but now I’m 35 and have a decade of experience… bollocks to it… got work lined up over Christmas, regroup in the new year..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
MOAR time for your Photoshops, then? Yahoo...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
Good on you there
I’ve had a couple friends do that lately, and it’s worked out because they (as it sounds like you are doing) seemed to do it for the right reasons. Best of luck.
I'd love to quit my job
but one kid in college and two more in the next two years aint making that possible. Damn kids…
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Plus, think of your co-workers
Who else in the company would be able to fill void of the Company SCH Commenter position? Answer: nobody. Them’s some big shoes to fill!
Let's Go Hawks!
where I work...
I say “well, at least I get to watch the Hockey tonight”
and they go…“Huh?”
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 11:03 PM CST up reply actions
yus..
or this..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 11:33 PM CST up reply actions
I was thinking...
after you have HjammerTime working for you, he will be able to take over your SCH duties after you decide to leave.
Let's Go Hawks!
wow that sounds like it sucked
good for you for not putting up with that.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
awwww
thanks, folks…
with my resume and experience I won’t be looking for work for long.. and in the meantime.. MOAR lousy photoshops and Hockey!!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
a double Waylon
what does it mean!?!
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
I'll explain in two posts
much further down…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
The mix of 12 forwards is the wrong overall mix
Speeches are great. Calls for keeping it simple are swell. But where o’ where does the checking, hitting and board work come from? Frolik isn’t going to do it. Bickell has limitations. Stalberg is an oddity that does not fit (he’d fit great on a team like St. Louis). Kruger is very raw and very Euro-ish in play. Mayers and Carcillo should be restricted to grindy 4th line work. Bolland needs to play in space and stay away from the boards to maximize his effectiveness and to keep him upright for a season. Sharp is allergic to sticky board work. Hossa is very good at it, but that’s not what should lead his resume. Toews and Kane for obvious reasons need to stick to what they are here to do. Brunette doesn’t have much left in the tank, and has been ill fit with the high octane nature of Kane, Hossa, Toews.
So what do you do? I think what you do is get very serious about a substantial trade.
Oh c'mon guys, it's so simple, maybe you need a refresher course. It's ALL ball bearings these days.
I was going to post this in response to something
but I can’t be arsed to find what it was so… here it is in all its rubbish-ness..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 9:22 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Like it, Rec it...
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
FML, present at the birth of a new "Badgerdano'd"...
You must be should be are very proud, I guess…
"Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's a straw, you see? You watching?. And my straw reaches acroooooooss the room, and starts to drink your milkshake... I... drink... your... milkshake!"
Don't know whether to laugh, rec, or flag
But I gotta be honest, I laughed, so that’s a rec.
P.S. Shouldn’t you be asleep?
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 9, 2011 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
yes, yes I should..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
it might be a little long for "special" tema but reminded me of a song we sang to the kids...
when they were in first grade;
“The wheels on the bus go round and round
round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
all through the town.
Coach Q should play this song in the locker room until the PP scors
I know that song..
maybe
“The Blackhawks Lines go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The Blackhawks Lines go round and round
Shoes of a Clown”…
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 9, 2011 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
From Chris Kuc on twitter:
Here’s deal with John Scott: Joel Quenneville believes #Blackhawks have best chance to win with him in lineup. That’s it. No conspiracy.
My response:
@ChrisKuc Nobody is arguing a conspiracy, it’s just dissent of opinion. John Scott is categorically a poorer D-man than others on the team.
I want to pull my hair out. Seriously.
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