Question Time For Mr. Quenneville: Hawks 2 - Avs 5
by SamFels on Feb 7, 2012 11:17 PM CST
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PrintI kind of feeling like Porky holding on by a thread to Planet X after Daffy and Marvin blew it up at the moment, that planet being the sanctuary of rationality and logic. My fingers are definitely slipping through the grease of rage and disappointment. But I'll try.
Before I get to the crux of this post, first this thought. I had remained reasonably assured this slide would stop because it hadn't really infected the top of the roster. While Kane hadn't scored, and neither has Hossa, they were still noticeable. Seabrook and Keith were reasonably assured, while the rot was incubating below them. But tonight, Toews had a turnover that led to a goal (though he was given a tough pass by Kane, though if there's one guy you'd trust in traffic...). Duncan Keith tripped the light fantastic on a bouncing puck which he probably should have just gloved forward or something. Brent Seabrook was on birding for Landeskog's winner, though obviously wasn't done any favors by Stalberg's turnover at the blue line. Then again, not every turnover at the blue line should go in the net. If whatever fungal infection has spread to those the Hawks count on and pay most, then it is absolutely panic time and a fight for just a playoff spot very well may be on the cards. However, they'll need to be bad for more than one game before we conclude that.
Ok, on to the main crux. While the frustration and disillusionment with Joel Quenneville has grown in some circles to the point of calling for his head -- at time spearheaded by compatriot and colleague McClure -- I'm not there yet. But I think I see how I people got there.
First up: The Hawks spent three days talking about shoring up the defense, and then went right back to doing everything they couldn't do. Turnovers at the opposing blue line, turnovers in their own zone, bad positioning. I believe you worked on it in practice, why didn't it translate? I guess that could be just as blamed on the players who didn't follow your instructions, but still.
But let's continue. You've basically tacitly admitted your bottom two pairs have sucked, which they have. You juggled them up. That's fine. Didn't really work, but at least you saw the problem. But if the problem is bad enough that you actually shake up the pairings, which you've been loathe to do for your entire tenure here (unlike the forwards), then what can you possibly be holding on to to not give Sami Lepisto a five-game run out? That's right, five games. Not one where he's on pins and needles, knowing that one mistake will land him another month in the hole. Then again, you've probably fucked yourself out of this option by keeping him on the shelf so long. Lepisto is no savior, but you're not asking for a savior. You're asking for 15 solid minutes per night. Again, what are you holding on to here? All of your bottom four d-men could be scratched justifiably, at least for a game here or there. And don't answer with John Scott, or I'm going to find a monk to light me on fire right in the middle of Lincoln Square.
Let's keep going, I'm starting to enjoy this now In Vancouver, Calgary, and tonight in Denver, your power play had a chance to bail you out and get you at least a point. Yet you continue to use a system that has proven without a doubt it doesn't work. Your umbrella, with four guys strewn from circle to circle, piles up bodies in the slot that Duncen Keith or whoever else can't get shots through. With all those bodies, you've taken Patrick Kane's best attribute -- passing and vision -- out of play. All he can see is blocked lanes. You need to stretch the killers. Two point men, or two guys below the goal line, or someone behind the net to get their heads to turn. Kane needs lanes to exploit, your point men need more than a hole only The Force can get a shot through. But you've never even thought of changing things around, except when injuries made you.
Not done yet. I'm on a roll. Besides the turnovers and a block against chipping bucks along the wall to get behind the Avs defense, you couldn't adjust to what the Avs did to you. It was clear that the Avs were putting all three forwards behind your forwards on the breakout, and the Hawks never bothered to close the lanes through the neutral zone to get the puck to them. You didn't send a second forward in on the forecheck to sap up the time those Avs blue-liners had to pick a pass. You didn't pull that one forechecker back and play something of a trap to close those lanes. Your three forwards were always above the red line when the puck entered the Hawks zone, consistently leaving two Hawks defenders to deal with three charging forwards. Your d-men couldn't move the puck well enough to go the other way. And yet you didn't change anything. Or maybe you tried and your players didn't listen? Neither is particularly encouraging.
If I didn't know any better, Q, I'd swear you're out of solutions. You juggled your lines, and that's all you ever do. No change in systems, no simplifying things, no nothing. Your team keeps making the same mistakes, and keeps trying the same things. Is it you or them?
Maybe you would answer that it wouldn't matter, this is the team you have with all its warts. Ok, reasonable argument. So I'll include Stan in this. Your coach is telling you that you basically need a whole new second pairing. That's right, you need two d-men now, even if it means demoting your pet Leddy. That choice that I wondered if you'd have to make, when you'd have to decide what's more important -- Leddy's development or a chance at this year's Cup -- very well may be upon you. What will you do?
It's not bomb shelter time yet. The big red button does not need its cover removed. Yet. But the distance to be covered to get there could be gained by a simple counter trap at this point. The Blues and and each got points tonight. The gap is widening. What's your response, Mr. Quenneville and Mr. Bowman? Do you have one?
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I was at the game tonight.....
The Hawks seemed to lack enthusiasm and were out fought much of the game (except the 1st half of the 3rd before the Avs scored their 4th goal). Continuously out fought on the boards and played the dump and DON’T chase game.
by JDawg84 on Feb 7, 2012 11:36 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
All indicators of a team that's quit on the coach.
I’m starting to wonder if Q even finishes out the season.
by bluekoolaide on Feb 7, 2012 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
my question is
How do things fall to shit so fast after a good start?
by JDawg84 on Feb 7, 2012 11:44 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I don't think anyone can give a definitive answer to that but...
…a good place to start might be the fact that we had a pretty soft schedule earlier in teh year when we were piling up points. A few of us cautioned that there were problems that could be exposed over a stretch against better teams. Unfortunately, it looks like we were right.
What’s really disheartening though is that it seems more and more that the coaching staff has no clue how to do anything other than juggle lines. I can’t help wondering if the players have started to notice the same thing and are starting to shut down.
by bluekoolaide on Feb 7, 2012 11:52 PM CST up reply actions
I get that
But we still have dropped massive games against bad opponents before and after the halfway mark
People have been pointing out the Hawks' shit defense all year.
Other teams have started raising their game as the playoffs approach, and the scoring that was bailing the team out up to this point has dried up abit.
This is why some ‘negative’ people, wanted to see Hawks do MORE than just get the two points. They wanted to see them exert themselves against lesser teams and showcases the skills and habits that would carry them forward through the playoffs.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Those habits were nowhere to be found earlier in the season despite the wins.
And now, their absence is exposed, plain as day for all the league to see.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Who know what the real problem is
Only time will answer our questions. I for one, haven’t lost faith in the Indian.
Call me Marlon Brando.
Well, there are two schools of thought.
1) We have all the talent we need, but it’s not been directed or taken advantage of as well as it should.
2) We are missing one or two integral pieces (players), and once we fill those holes, everything will get better.
I feel that coaching is the issue, because it’s not one or two holes that are being exploited. All four lines of forwards and D are playing like shit without the puck, and look completely out of sorts in their own end.
IMO, adding one or two guys to that formula is just going to add one or two more to the pile of underachievers.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Gotta rec this post
…which is painful because mhsilver has made a real asshat of himself around here and no doubt will do so again. But apparently the old line about the blind squirrel and the acorn is true because this particular summary right here is a clear and cogent argument.
I’ve been basically in school-of-thought #2 but find myself shifting more towards #1. Which does pull me away from the idea (which I’ve argued for) that it’s on Bowman to make a serious go-for-it trade right now. I think that if I had Bowman’s ear I’d now be saying that he’s going to have to change coaches, either now or after this season, and that he should therefore not mortgage some of the team’s prospects and picks to bolster this season’s squad.
Sucks to be thinking that but there it is.
by Paul the Fossil on Feb 8, 2012 9:19 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
No
They generally attacked anybody who dared to critique anything about the team’s performance, so long as they walked away with the 2 points.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
by mhsilver on Feb 8, 2012 1:21 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
someday
I hope to have imaginary internet enemies that I repeatedly thrash.
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Feb 8, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
yes, you're quite the martyr.
get over it.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Giving up on even-handedness & politeness. Going for open contempt & disdain.
by ahnfire on Feb 8, 2012 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It's all upstairs
I’m really starting to think that it’s a mental thing and I don’t know who can or how to fix it. I’m too lazy to look it up right now but I think I remember reading that the Hawks have not had a shut out this season. If true that may explain why the team seems to implode when the other team gets a goal. They have no confidence in the D and or goalies, it’s almost that “here we go again” feeling.
Sorry if this doesn’t make sense, writing quickly while at work.
"Looks like I picked a bad day to quit sniffing glue"
by itsevolutionbaby on Feb 8, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
As for me...
…when I hear Toews (via Tracey) say that he’s out of answers I know it’s time to start stocking up on canned goods.
Yeah, Bowman is far from beyond blame-his off season moves haven’t added anything and, salary dump aside, getting rid of Campbell has been in the short term, a disaster.
But Q. keeps doing the same shit night after night…the same clown shoes power play, etc. Is there any reason that he’s suddenly goingg to change now?
So I’m off to the shelter. Hopefully, I’ll emerge in a more hopeful (re; “Q-less world”). I have a feeling we’ll have a completely new coaching staff by this time next year.
i dont understand it either
why do they keep trying the same thing over and over?
The short time that the PP was working a few weeks ago, it was working because there were two d-men on the point. Why go back to an exceedingly ineffective strategy?
why keep shuffling lines? it hasn’t been working.
why keep playing john scott?
0 shots on 3 PPs. 0.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 7, 2012 11:44 PM CST up reply actions
Einstein: The definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
that line does come to mind
doesn’t it
by VerStig on Feb 8, 2012 12:24 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
So I’m off to the shelter. Hopefully, I’ll emerge in a more hopeful (re; "Q-less world"). I have a feeling we’ll have a completely new coaching staff by this time next year.
If the ‘Hawks don’t come away with at least a point in both weekend games it could be next week.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
If the Hawks don't make the playoffs (this still seems unlikely to me) or make another first round exit
it will be a real test of Rocky’s and McDonough’s “we’re here to win championships” philosophy.
I think that any decision to replace Q by those two will come after careful consideration of the consequences and with a very clear plan for moving ahead. I don’t think it will be a ‘knee jerk’ reaction, and therefore I think it likely that Q will finish this season behind the bench no matter the outcome. My impression is that they (Rocky & McDonough) value projecting an image of stability and control for the franchise as much as producing high quality results on the ice and they would fear that a mid-season dismissal of Q would be perceived as a panicky move.
I have no doubt that they will not hesitate to replace Q if the results are not there on the ice. Bottom line is they are shrewd, calculating, hard as nails business men that don’t save a lot of room for sentiment in their decision making and who want and expect the results that will keep the money rolling in. If Q’s not cutting it he’ll be gone. I just don’t think they’ll do it any time soon. Two full seasons of poor results after the Cup run will make the double tap to the back of Q’s head seem like a more measured and reasonable response.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
I wish that image of stability and control
was projected through the lines each night.
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 Feb 8, 2012 8:53 AM CST up reply actions
one thing you can say about this franchise
is that if things are perceived as really going to shit quickly and there’s no sign of a turnaround, they’ll replace Q. If they did it to Savvy (which was really unpopular at the time), they can do it again.
Not disagreeing, but THEN WHAT???
Any great coaches sitting on the couch right now?
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
I don't know how I feel about Q just yet
But if you’re looking for names, there’s that one guy who filled in last year for a bit. I wonder if the Hawks still have his number anywhere…
Is there a single shred of evidence that Havi hasn't been 100% on board with Q's philosophy?
Q sucks! Hire the guy who advises him!
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
At no point
did I say Q sucks. In fact, I said I don’t know how I feel about him yet. I’m just pointing out a possible option were Stan to give Q the boot. Maybe we stay with Q, maybe we go with Havi, maybe someone else. Who knows? (not me)
I generally agree with your sentiments on this, except
I don’t think things would be any different if Soupy were on this roster. This team’s problems go way beyond the difference that any one player could make, IMO.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
Is there any way, ANY WAY AT ALL
to get this post to Q? To get someone to ask him these questions?
My prediction: if we fall out of the playoff standings by more than 4 points, Q is gone. Stan thought this team was a Cup contender as is, with maybe a tweak at the deadline. And, dang it, it should be. He won’t let this go much further. I truly hope they turn it around and get back toward the top of the standings. But if it goes much further down, I think Q goes with it. (And now we’ll start talking replacement coach, won’t we….)
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
You have far more faith in Stan Bowman than I do.
I trust the man that continues to employ John Scott about as far as I could throw… John Scott.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
You apparently haven't read any of my comments in the last couple days, have you.
I have been accused of hating Stan due to my constant harping on his inability to judge and develop talent. No, I don’t have much faith in Stan. But I do think that he thinks this team with the core talent and the players he added was Cup worthy.
Unless you’re saying that you simply don’t think Stan will fire Q. I think he will if it gets worse. But that’s hardly “faith” in Stan on my part. That’s Stan doing what most GMs do when a good team isn’t good.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
I'm saying I think we would have to miss the playoffs for Stan to fire Q.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
You may be right.
It’s hard to tell WHAT Stan will do. But I think if this thing hits 8 or 9 games and we plummet out of the playoffs, Stan will try to “save” the season by making the change. It’s clearly not going to change with a pickup at the trading deadline. But again, hard to know with Mr. Bowman.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
That might not be Stan’s choice as I’m sure Rocky and Bullwinkle (McDonough) will not allow this ship to continue to capsize before forcing Stan to send in the lifeboats.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
They do.
But to continue in them is, well, frustrating.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
1/3rd of the league is continuing to make mistakes?
1/3rd of the league still employs some form of an enforcer. Please, just get over it. Yes, it is a dying breed. And yes, your puck possession team without a lot of size employs one. Just move on people, you don’t get everything you want in life. And if John Scott is the worst thing that happens to the Hawks, you are in great shape.
What the fuck?
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Feb 9, 2012 12:06 AM CST up reply actions
re: Scott
it’s hard to say for sure, but I see Q’s fingerprints all over that one.
We like our people!
Time to prepare for the future...
…as in the post CBA world. What it holds, no one knows for sure. Hawks should be sellers…smart sellers I’d prefer. Let the other clubs get desperate for our players. How about the Hawks collecting as many draft picks as possible.
Was the Stanley Cup actually a dream? It already seems like a lifetime ago.
by TrickyDickAllen on Feb 7, 2012 11:45 PM CST reply actions
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.
by BodomSlayer on Feb 8, 2012 12:02 AM CST up reply actions 7 recs
At this point...
…the season is toast.
Sending Montador (if healthy) to any takers is worth considering. Unloading that contract is not a bad idea. Unlikely, but worth considering.
Old Donnell to any takers? Sure…
Lepisto? You betcha…
Frolik? Indeed….
Rinse and repeat…
Short of some core players, namely Toews and Seabs in my world, entertaining offers sounds great to me.
I would like to see draft picks and more cap room after the CBA dust has settled. This defense needs rebuilding and free agents are the quickest route to success.
Anyone who thinks that’s dumb is clinging to false hope, or just plain delusional.
This season is toast.
Was the Stanley Cup actually a dream? It already seems like a lifetime ago.
by TrickyDickAllen on Feb 8, 2012 1:36 AM CST up reply actions
that's the funniest thing I've read all week.
thanks for cheering me up with this brilliant piece of satire..
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
Please tell me...
…what acquisitions will help this team achieve “ONE GOAL” this year?
With the Hawks current assets, how can they possibly improve this team defense…
this goaltending…the special teams?
I simply see no hope for this team, this year…and divine intervention is not very likely.
Was the Stanley Cup actually a dream? It already seems like a lifetime ago.
by TrickyDickAllen on Feb 8, 2012 1:50 AM CST up reply actions
ok
if we make an acquisition now its not likely to be a blockbuster.. some help on the D would be nice though. You’ve clearly gone off the ledge and are headed for the sidewalk and fair enough, that’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it.
There’s enough in terms of assets here to win this year.. there are clearly issues with how they’re being used or not used: the PP needs fixing but that’s a matter of changing the system/personnel.. The goaltending we’re going to have to live with. Crow is in a bad place now but he won’t stay there forever. Improving the D will go a long way to fixing that, whether that be the addition of a 5-6 or shaking up the pairings.
I see hope and plenty of it. Divine intervention will not be required. But again, that’s my opinion. And the last thing we should be doing is blowing it all up and starting again. This team has an excellent core and a fine supporting cast. Sure, there’s room for improvement but that’s always going to be the case.
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
MMD, You are my ambassador of "the cup is half fullness"
Thank you sir.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
SCH resident medicinal resource
"Anyone who thinks that’s dumb is clinging to false hope, or just plain delusional"
The art of projection is strong with this one.
I have never seen a coaching staff abide over such obvious failure for so long.
And no, I don’t mean the team as a whole. Obviously the Hawks are above the playoff bar, and went on a tear win-wise earlier this season.
But the defense was always porous. The PP was always anywhere from middling to terrible. And the PK was ground zero levels of bad.
And yet no changes. Certainly nothing of substance. Not to general team strategy, or PP set-up, or anything of the kind.
It is time for a complete shake-up.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Much like Sam, I’m not on board yet but I’m very close to purchasing that “coaching change” ticket. If the ’Hawks lose both games this weekend in regulation, and look poor in doing so, then the change at the helm is imminent.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
How long must a PP fucking fail?
Before the man in charge of that PP is questioned?
Because I’m pretty sure it’s been a steaming pile of shit all fucking year.
Special teams is pretty funny.
Why is everyone so focused on a PP that is still in the top half of the league when their PK is 27th?
i'm juswt going to go out on a limb and say
its because in a game like tonight, where we had a few PP opportunities that could have helped us put us ahead and potentially win the game, we were unable to deliver. and this happens quite often. its frustrating to see a unit of toews, kane, hossa, sharp, and keith go out, and sometimes only get one shot off on goal.
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
yep...
and I think most of us are just as tired of our PK’s inability to be consistently good.
oh yeah for sure. and i bet if this was a game where we had to go on the pk and failed at it
we would be complaining about that instead
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
Because it's a what have you done for me lately world
And this team lost two games in which it didn’t spend a single second in the penalty box.
I agree with you though, Dale. The PK is a much more glaring issue than the powerplay. The PP can be fixed with a strategy change. The PK will likely require a personnel move.
by JesusMarianHossa on Feb 8, 2012 9:05 AM CST up reply actions
The answer my friend...
is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowin in the wind!
"How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."
by thepuckstopshere31 on Feb 8, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
shurely shome mishtake
you mean “42”
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
figure me this
the hawks have been shorthanded 166 times, thats sixth overall. Not to bad.
They have given up 264 shots on the PK, thats 11th overall.
the fuck?
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 7, 2012 11:48 PM CST reply actions
Goaltending?
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
wasn't aware the goaltender was in charge blocking shots and clearing the puck
if you were being sarcastic i apologize
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 7, 2012 11:54 PM CST up reply actions
I was being sarcastic.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Bad...
…special teams has been basically awful all year. PK was ok until first Vancouver game at UC…5 PP goals against. The PP has had it’s moments, but seems to fail for lonnnngggg stretches and seldom produces when needed the most. With the skill on this club, we should be top 5.
My guess is coaching failure of epic proportions.
Was the Stanley Cup actually a dream? It already seems like a lifetime ago.
by TrickyDickAllen on Feb 7, 2012 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
What's your deal?
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Feb 9, 2012 12:09 AM CST up reply actions
We've been the worst team in SA/60 in 4v5
For two years running. Need an additional shot blocker on the kill.
by JesusMarianHossa on Feb 8, 2012 9:06 AM CST up reply actions
My thing about line shuffling
And this was brought to my attention by my girlfriends grandfather. But all the line juggling doesn’t give the players anytime to gel and get comfortable with each other. I think new ideas need to be tried and putting two DMen on the point for the PP would be a good start.
The only time line-juggling works is when it's in response to something tangible.
Like say, if you need a larger winger on one line, or you want to spread the scoring across two lines to mess with their matchup plan, or if one or two players are having a great game, so you move them up to get more ice-time.
Just throwing lines in a blender is no better than showing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
I mostly said that rhetorically and was trying to point out the stupidity
You made my vagueness clear, damn you. lol
Line juggling
Q juggles lines when he wants the team to “play to the team concept” instead of playing to the players on the ice. He is NOT the only coach that uses that approach.
Explain "play to the team" concept
I’m not being facetious either. I personally see Quenneville juggle lines when things don’t appear to be working. It’s a reaction synonymous with, for lack of a better word, panic.
by JesusMarianHossa on Feb 8, 2012 9:08 AM CST up reply actions
OK
You want the focus of the player on “his responsibilities.” You want them to go where they are supposed to go. Play the way they are supposed to play from the team’s strategy.
Players who play on consistent lines tend to know their linemates tendencies and start to adjust to compensate or take advantage of them. They are no longer playing to the team strategy. In football it is “go to your hole.” Even when you THINK the play isn’t going to your spot. Players tend to get into trouble when they try and compensate or do more than their assignments.
The example they showed last night was two defensiveman pinching and two wingers that were high, also “pinched.” The team, imo, needs to get back to playing just their responsibilities. If the defenseman pinches and you are the forward, you better cover YOUR responsibility.
Anyway, whenever I have heard the team defend line juggling that is what they have talked about.
But how many other coaches
use it to the extent as Q? I’m fortunate enough to be able to watch any game I want to with the Center Ice package and while I see other coaches juggle their lines I have seen none of them go to the lengths that Q does and I do think that it messes with chemistry on the ice. Maybe it wont throw a player’s entire game off but when you get used to one player doing something a certain way and then get thrown out there with someone that does it even a little different it can lead to turnovers, odd man rushes, etc….
2 cents.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
SCH resident medicinal resource
Your expertise is staggering
You literally have a diagnosis and solution to every problem.
More better Blackhawks, please.
To add to this ...
It helps generate some urgency within the lineup when used occasionally, but to use it every game at every opportunity, well then, you start to lose the shine off that coaching tool.
We’ll see what team shows up for the weekend, because it may be Quenneville’s last. It’s just too hard to ignore at this point.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
I will be at the game in Phoenix
And I’m hoping it will be an opportunity to bid fair well to Q at his last game. He has had no strategic answer to address any of the team’s weaknesses all year and his team has quit on him. You can only send the players out on the ice to run the same failing system so many times before they say “fuck this” and half ass it because they know it isn’t going to work anyway.
by Esquire02 on Feb 8, 2012 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow
It will be a while before I get to see a game again, but I’ll be at the first game back from the road trip. I’m hoping it will be an opportunity to see a team well on their way to having things figured out (I don’t fool myself into thinking they’ll have completed a full 180-degree turnaround by then) and having gotten a good amount of their confidence back.
Diff’rent strokes for diff’rent folkes, I guess.
I have said this before and feel strongly about this
The game of hockey is so quick that most of what is done is almost an instinctual basis, and knowing where your teammates are going to be, how they play, where they position themselves is important, you don’t get used to that by playing with them for one night. It takes time I would say about a week of playing with the same group before you can say that they don’t work. The problem is at this point, we may not have enough time to let them figure it out.
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 Feb 8, 2012 9:05 AM CST up reply actions
Can I make a politically incorrect observation here?
Q is known for burning out in St. Louis and Colorado. Colorado was especially baffling because he came off two 95 point seasons in a row. Perhaps he’s simply hit his wall here.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
You know I had remember reading that before when I looked him up on wiki
Maybe the players just get tired of his shtick?
If he was like this there, I can imagine
the constant shuffling of lines and scratches has got to get old.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Feb 8, 2012 4:16 AM CST up reply actions
i'm over it...
he’s taken his veterans and pretty much given them all the shaft.
He's not the first coach to have a 'best before' date with teams.
He won’t be the last.
Some coaches are great with young teams as they’re developing. Q was great for Chicago at that point.
Some coaches are great for teams with older, established talent, but flounder when that talent moves on and they’re left with younger guys. Randy Carlyle is an example.
Some coaches can do both, seemingly – Babcock and Bylsma are my favs.
It doesn’t make him a bad coach. It just makes him a bad fit for this team, right now.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
Seriously, have you thought of getting a literary agent?
Your authority exceeds even Mike Milbury.
More better Blackhawks, please.
Is it even worth it at this point?
He’s in his glory. The Hawks are playing like dogshit and it gives all his season long asinine pessimism a shred of credibility. The hawks go on a 7-2-1 tear, and we won’t hear from him as much.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Feb 8, 2012 12:40 AM CST up reply actions
This is simply untrue as he’s been here win or lose all year. As annoying as he can be at times, he is a true ‘Hawks fan and doesn’t fade into oblivion once this go great again like DTM or others of this realm.
And as far as some of his posts go, he’s got a good point about Quenneville and this team at this juncture of the season.
I’ll give credit where it’s due … and the little devil deserves it here.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
i agree
i know he can be a bit aggressively contrarian at times, but just because you don’t like him doesn’t mean he’s not making some decent points here. looking at q’s past, it seems as though he has an historical coaching life cycle. maybe it’s starting to run out here, who knows? i certainly won’t invalidate the idea just because it comes from someone the popular kids don’t like.
Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you!
by Gozer the Traveler on Feb 8, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
he is aggressively contrarian at all times
he is just ignored when we are winning.
always posting, always pushing negativity, always high-lighting negativity, always stirring the pot.
he’s been given a free pass. This is not the same thing as not being a troll.
he has not been given a free pass.
it just feels that way to people that are continually pouting that we don’t ban people they don’t like.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Giving up on even-handedness & politeness. Going for open contempt & disdain.
/hands cliff a juicebox
do you want to take your nap now too?
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Giving up on even-handedness & politeness. Going for open contempt & disdain.
by ahnfire on Feb 8, 2012 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
not 'people'
just him. he does it all the time, consistently, regardless of circumstance.
and action has been taken, OFFSITE.
you said it yourself, he’s ignored when we’re winning. Well, work on that now. And if/when he crosses the line of acceptability, action will taken, as it has been.
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Giving up on even-handedness & politeness. Going for open contempt & disdain.
You don't get it, do you?
The issues that are causing the Hawks to lose right now, have been around since the beginning of the season, even when they were winning.
Just because I saw them and pointed them out, while you were blissfully unaware and defensive, doesn’t mean my comments were unnecessarily negative or out of line.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
I was dying to find just the last 20 seconds of this somewhere, but a post of the whole thing and a reference to the last bit is all I can do. I bet Lou Barlow and J. Mascis would just love you.
www.mjt.org
by ChicoMaki on Feb 8, 2012 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
"wallowing in the
piss-pig pen of evil, swallowing everything, reason to ignore it, festering with sex-frustration, they don’t use your imagination, they spit it in your face.. ladies and gentlemen Indie-rock’s newest unrecognised geniuses of songwriting suckerpunch in a minivan for a six week touuuur….. SEBADOH!"
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
Hasn't this thread been 98% negative?
But mhsilver is the only one who catches flack (apart from that idiot earlier who wanted to lose everyone but toews and seabs). I think you guys are adding a tone to his posts that aren’t there.
Is this the longest losing streak we've had in a couple years?
I’m too lazy to look it up.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
Maybe that's why I'm way more panicked than I should be.
We’re just simply not used to this kind of thing.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
Welcome
Warning: It’s a 5 drink minimum.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
How?
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
And I'm not allowed to right now.
Dang medical issues!
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
hey!
have you heard “Gallhammer”?: perfect soundtrack for right now, being “Experimental Blackened Doom” made by Japanese girls. It’s pretty f’n ace.
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:19 AM CST up reply actions
I have heard you suggest them once before but haven't gotten around to them.
I’m actually in the mood to write and I’m finding Nokturnal Mortum to be a good motivator and channel for my anger!
they look like FUN!
on a Black Metal tip: going to be catching Mayhem at a festival later this year.. must go invest in some Corpse-paint…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:26 AM CST up reply actions
I've never been one to do the whole image thing
You wouldn’t even know I like black metal by looking at me. Mayhem post-Dead and Euronymous was the best to me. Their new album was…odd. I’ve always preferred Burzum anyways.
no, me either..
the not-having-any-hair thing was a point against from the start!
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:38 AM CST up reply actions
Hey, don't you have to go to work?
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Feb 8, 2012 12:32 AM CST up reply actions
i've got an hour to kill
what better to put me in a good mood for facing the general public than a trip down misery lane..
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:37 AM CST up reply actions
Are you you being sarcastic
Or knocking my love of music, can’t tell, lol. Generally after a day with the public I make my employees listen to my awful music. I have quite the collection.
whoops..
talking about the “We’re all shit creek unless we trade everyone/fire the coach/sacrifice a virgin on the steps of the UC” sentiments…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:43 AM CST up reply actions
Ha ha it's ok.
I took it for a laugh anyways. My employees always tell me how miserable my music is. I tell them they don’t understand it. I can deal with that.
And to answer your question about what the hell is up with this team...
…there are a bunch of theories.
I personally think that the coaching needs an upheaval, because we’ve seen the same defensive issues now for the last two years. Personel has changed, issues are still there. No changes to on-ice strategy, no changes to PP set-up, no adaptation to other teams’ play. Nada.
Earlier in the season, our scorers were bailing out shitty team defense, now that’s starting to dry up and expose the rotten underbelly that was there all along.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
Nothing is true. All is permitted.
SBNation will only let me choose one favorite team.
A bunch of theories
I thought there were only two schools of thought.
More better Blackhawks, please.
What is your fucking problem with him
At least he posts substantive thoughts and opinions. All you seem to do is criticize others and their opinions but offer nothing substantive of your own.
by Esquire02 on Feb 8, 2012 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Point taken
Yeah, it was a bad night….I went overboard, should have just shut up and gone to bed.
More better Blackhawks, please.
I feel better having read this before going to sleep
It wasn’t written with Chicken Little’s IBM Selectric and yet it lays out a pretty succinct laundry list of the ill for this team.
Need to sleep on it more but I do know that taking 0 points from EDM, CGY and DEN means that I’m a stone’s throw from going Rasheed Wallace on Friday’s game in the Tank.
by JesusMarianHossa on Feb 8, 2012 12:13 AM CST via mobile reply actions
agreed...
BUT…where do you go from here? Trade for this year or look to next year already…a cup is definitely out of the question with the way we are playing defensively at this point,and I dont think picking up 1 d is going to change that all that.
psst,
use the “reply” button to reply to specific comments or people gonna start yelling “Waylon” at you.. and welcome aboard
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:20 AM CST up reply actions
Nothing is really fucked until we are out of the playoffs.
Maybe instead of a more minor move, Stan shoots for the fences instead. All the people who talk of Stan firing Q at this point are hopeless.
Once you’re in the playoffs anything can happen. Firing the fucking coach at a critical juncture with nobody to replace him is not the way you go about correcting the issues this team has. Has Q made questionable personnel decisions? Yes. But let’s face it, he had a lot of bad options.
Bowman should make his moves sooner than later and it’s time for the Hawks to get too it. There is work to be done.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
Agreed nothing is fucked up until that point
but with the current level of play matched up against the upcoming schedule it isn’t looking good, and I’m not sure anyone can argue that.
Play the blues FOUR times, rangers twice, nashville three times, redwings three times, with the capitals, nucks, and ottawa interspersed.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 12:32 AM CST up reply actions
I agree that it doesn't look good.
But we’re nowhere near fucking MHsilver ‘fire the coach’ horse-shit yet either. All those games are opportunities.
Bowman hasn’t made his moves yet. Let’s just see how the next two weeks unfold before we all become as kneejerk and pessimistic as some of the crap we’ve heard so far tonight.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
When you say out of the playoffs do you mean at the end of the season?
Or simply that we’re out of the top 8 before the end of the season?
If he thinks he can save the season by making a change at the top, don’t you think he will?
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
Who do you nominate to replace him? Seriously, I'm all ears.
I mean once we are literally statistically eliminated. You don’t fire a fucking coach less than 2 seasons after you won a Cup with him and were forced to jettison half the fucking roster he won it with.
Also, what do you mean by season saving? Last I checked we were still in the playoffs and better off than we were last season.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
I wouldn’t put money on that with McDonough being the team president and Scotty Bowman forever lurking around. His job is far from secure at this moment.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
I'm not saying Q should go.
I think he will though if things keep going south. And I have NO IDEA who would replace him.
Do you ever have dejavu?
Didn't you just ask me that?
Mike Haviland most likely. Much like last season when Q was sidelined with an ulcer.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
You mean the same guy who so many teams have passed up year after year?
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
backing away from the ledge a bit...
yes,the next 2 weeks will tell alot…but, shit- I cant help but wonder if a move or two is enough at this point ?
Enough for what?
With a shit roster we pushed the Stanley Cup winners to 7 games last season. I still say this team is much better than that team.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
for what?!?
to hoist the cup…isnt that what this shit is all about? how the fuck do you expect to seriously contend when you have shit pp, very little d to speak of, shaky goalkeeping,should I go on…?
It would help if it were clear what you're suggesting.
Except of course for FIRE Q AND SELL!
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
Q is not the problem
Bowman needs to bring in one or two solid d-men so keith and seebs dont die on the ice-way too many minutes…need guys that can safely advance the puck, like Campbell was able to…not exaclty sure how losing him has benefitted us…I know he wasnt the strongest playing d, but what the fuck did we replace him with?
Now we are getting somewhere. Yes, a defensive presence would fantastic.
While I’m at it, ANY sort of new blood in the top 6 forwards would be welcome.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
but what the fuck did we replace him with?
$$$$$
thats about it.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 1:00 AM CST up reply actions
basically i see two options
or
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 1:04 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
yup.
I’m tempted to have a look in the archives to see what the screaming was like this time last year.. but I have to be nice to people really soon and that’s not an ideal preparation for it!
The upcoming schedule is tough but the hell with it: as was pointed out, that’s where we see what this team is made of..
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:47 AM CST up reply actions
Who needs nice?
You’re in Ireland, right? I’m sure they’ll understand the rage at the Blackhawks losing…even if they don’t know who the Hawks are!
Stanley Cup finalists,
President’s Trophy winners
Jets and Hawks 2012 SCF
by My Name Is Agony on Feb 8, 2012 12:55 AM CST up reply actions
With last years team...
… that had Leddy, Campoli and Frolik on it. They are better, imo, than the team the Hawks had before those three arrived.
I think they are about in the exact same place as last year
as far as standings go that is. The only difference I can make right now is that last year’s team could lace em’ up and get a win when things got critical. This team, I’m still waiting for that response.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
SCH resident medicinal resource
Last year's looked awful in the 3rd
This year the Hawks look better in the third then last year
Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?
by The Cup And Back Again on Feb 8, 2012 3:50 PM CST up reply actions
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong (yeah, like that'll happen here)
but am I the only one seeing a team playing well (win or lose) against top-tier teams and shitting the bed against teams that are struggling (the Alberta trips)?
The commenter formerly known as JeromerINC. The things I do for recognition...
Embrace the Hate.
by Marty-notimportant-Turco on Feb 8, 2012 12:47 AM CST reply actions
there's been an an element of that, alright...
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:49 AM CST up reply actions
Tired team
You make mental mistakes when you are tired. You get an adrenaline boost when you play top teams. It is a long season and this is still NOT a deep team. So there isn’t much in the way of secondary scoring. Which is what usually covers up issues like what the Hawks are facing now.
So basically, long season, tired team.
interesting notion, seems true for the most part
except for exhibit A/B that would be the last two games vs nashville.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 12:50 AM CST up reply actions
or the VAN loss at the UC..
but I see the point: some of our best hockey has been against Wings, Nucks and Pens, to name a few.. and some of the worst has been against the likes of the Oil and the Avs…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:53 AM CST up reply actions
Which it shouldn't be that way
The team needs to carry the notion they need to work every night, no matter what. The thought of being able to come in and just steam roll a team leads to those loses against teams we should beat.
I've personally chalked Nashville up to "who the fuck knows" status.
They aren’t strong enough to be a danger like the Cannots or Fuckin’ Scum, but they manage to be a nuisance. They certainly have the Bluesers’ number.
The commenter formerly known as JeromerINC. The things I do for recognition...
Embrace the Hate.
by Marty-notimportant-Turco on Feb 8, 2012 12:56 AM CST up reply actions
not strong enough to be a danger?
thats why theyve beaten us twice, and lost in OT? and currently have more points? and showed more cajones when facing contender than the hawks?
I’m sorry, I couldnt disagree more.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 12:58 AM CST up reply actions
Hence the caveat "like the Cannots or Fuckin' Scum".
Nashville is clearly a danger when the ’Hawks are only showing up for 2 of 3 periods.
The commenter formerly known as JeromerINC. The things I do for recognition...
Embrace the Hate.
by Marty-notimportant-Turco on Feb 8, 2012 1:10 AM CST up reply actions
you're not alone in that
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
by justforkicks on Feb 8, 2012 12:52 AM CST up reply actions
I was thinking
the Hawks have particular trouble with teams that have speed, like EDM and the Avs (who knew?), and also with the quicksand teams like Nashville. The creamy Goldilocks middle, though, seems to be getting narrower and narrower….
Hey! I take penumbrage at that!
lets just get something straight
just because us “positive” folks, aren’t beating our chests and wailing every single comment about how the hawks suck, the season is over, and that we need to blow up our roster and our coaching team, does not mean we are blind to what is currently going on with the hawks and don’t want them to do better. it means we don’t think the season isn’t over. that we’ve got 65 points and are currently in 6th place in a conference that changes daily. it means anything can change once you get into the playoffs – you just have to get there, and we can and will. it means we’ve got a damn good core, and our issues are fixable, and we’ve still got time to turn things around.
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
I generally consider myself a negative person - and I don't even think things are all that fucked (regardless of what I titled my CtA post)
I really can’t even believe the reactions we are seeing right now. Unbelievable.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
I agree
I am generally doom and gloom everything but as I was listening today I just ended up saying “Whatever”. We could be Columbus after all.
this. this right here.
we’ve got a roster that would be the envy of most of the league.. alright, there are issues with how it’s being used, but still… it’s all to play for and there is zero need for all of the “Scorched-earth” BS that’s flying around these days..
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
they have a top 6 that would be the envy of most the league
by putmeinthemadhouse on Feb 8, 2012 1:03 AM CST up reply actions
Disagree.
By simply looking at rosters I think you have to put VAN, DET, SJS, BOS and PIT ahead of the hawks.
Well then I would respond to that by saying
The hawks are still ahead of “most” teams in the standings.
Oh, sorry.
I thought you were making a point about coaching.
well yes, that's what being #6 in the standings means
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
by justforkicks on Feb 8, 2012 1:11 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I'll take ours over San Jose and Pittsburgh (sans Crosby), maybe Detoilet too.
I do stuff for CheerTheAnthem
Not a chance.
None of those teams are banking on a 20 year old to be in their top 4, they all have pretty good goalies and top 9 groups that are close to if not as good as the blackhawk’s top 9.
I was talking about full rosters.
Otherwise I do agree with you.
I don't have to. not all of those you called out
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
by justforkicks on Feb 8, 2012 1:12 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
well our pp is clearly an issue
I think our 3rd and 4th lines need to be better. That all our players have to be better committed to defense. And positioning I guess it would be, to eliminate these 2-1s and stuff. I think it’s a mix of things that can’t be pinpointed to just one player or the coach. I think these are things that can be fixed. And I think our core is damn good, but can’t do it alone.
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
by justforkicks on Feb 8, 2012 1:24 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
It is certainly a mixed bag
I am not sure commitment to defense can solve all of the problems, particularly the ones in the hawks d zone, but it should sure up the neutral zone for sure.
I do think personnel is a fairly large issue though, particularly on the back end. Even keith and seabrook who have been for the most part pretty good do not appear to be at the level they were in 2010. Whether that is lack of depth behind them or just that they had career years, I am not certain.
its all a trickle down effect to me
better backchecking/forechecking by the forwards, and being quick to come back into the d-zone when needed. being better in the neutral zone so we can stop with the 50 million 2-1s, helps out our goalie and our defense. I don’t think it solves all our problems, but i think it helps. I still want stan to come back with a defenseman who can play on the pk, and would like a top 6 winger or center, but i don’t know what we’ll get. maybe we get none of that, in which case, the team committing to not floating or getting out of position will help.
as for keith and seabs, i still think the minutes they play has some impact on their bodies.
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
So do people here agree with this?
I sort of agree but ultimately I am not sure the changes that people want to be made would do much (outse of overloading the powerplay).
Well, you have to admit one thing.
No matter who ends up winning COL – CHI games, the pace of them is always fun to watch. It was some fairly sloppy hockey from both sides tonight, but it was certainly fast and entertaining.
I just wanted to pop by tonight to say hang in there. I know how shitty it is to go on a losing streak like this (my team dropped 10 in a row TWICE last year), but we certainly weren’t toted as a Cup Contender during that time. Your team has a ton of talent that for whatever reason just isn’t firing on all cylinders right now. Hockey is cyclical – anyone who believes the Hawks are as bad as they seem right now is an idiot. You’re still in playoff position (something my team can’t say right now) and this run of bad luck/play is going to turn around eventually. Just stay away from ledges tonight, and good luck against the Sharks!
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.
by andidee15 on Feb 8, 2012 1:06 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
I like you.
why don’t you visit more often?
SCH Narc - check yo'self before you wreck yo'self.
Giving up on even-handedness & politeness. Going for open contempt & disdain.
I’m an architecture major and a writer over at MHH, so I’m pretty busy. Still, I really like your team and this site, so I try to pop in as much as I can.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.
Not to steal a page from MMD
But after all this deliberation I think we all know what we, and this team, need.
by BodomSlayer on Feb 8, 2012 2:14 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
well.. the sun rose again today so I guess that's something..
off to work I go… stay safe, folks!
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
Well, I have heard that the Germans have bombed Pearl Harbor again,
any thoughts?
"Knowledge is Good."
Hell of an idea!
"How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."
by thepuckstopshere31 on Feb 8, 2012 7:27 AM CST up reply actions
2 days of rest, it's pretty likely
Just not sure if it will be effective if this is a team that has actually tuned out its coach. Don’t think that’s the case but I believe there’s a majority here that does.
by JesusMarianHossa on Feb 8, 2012 9:19 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think we can play much worse then this current patch of loseriness
…..not one player is looking good. No streaking Sharp or Kane. Toews and Hossa can’t catch a break. Stals and cast of others struggling to find the net . The defense is being attacked by bouncing pucks and bad positioning.
If I had my pick , I would rather see the struggle happen now and get back on our roll nearing the playoffs.
Frolic was getting destroyed yesterday……I miss our Hayes
Ver™
Hayes
I agree. What happened to get him dropped? Need his energy. He and Shaw seemed to spark each other. Let’s just put Frolik on IR just to free up the spot.
But really, can’t Q just scratch Frolik, Bickell, or whoever else and call up Hayes for the spot or is that not allowed?
by brownpants on Feb 8, 2012 7:29 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
The problem is defensive in nature, right?
So, why would you want to play an inexperienced kid who is more of an offensive only style player?
because Bickell and Frolik
have been setting the world on fire with their defensive play? I understand what you are saying about Hayes but Bicks and Fro don’t appear to be the droids we are looking for either.
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 Feb 8, 2012 11:18 AM CST up reply actions
Frolik has done pretty well defensively, imo
its the offensive stuff that is an issue with him
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
by justforkicks on Feb 8, 2012 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
But has Frolik shown you more
than what Hayes can offer, I don’t think so, the upsides of Fro to me don’t match the upsides of having Hayes around
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 Feb 9, 2012 11:23 AM CST up reply actions
Our problem is sloppiness and turnovers and not getting back to cover a man.
Hayes’ game is more simple. Chip it in and make someone else feel pressure. We could use more of that approach than we are getting. Our top 3 lines, and our puck moving d, are still trying to be too pretty. The odd rushes are killing us.
Houston?
My serenity is inversely proportional to my expectations.
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!
So, the boy says to me...
“Q needs to go.”. He is a young lad. I said that taking his premise that this team no longer gets Q’s shit, one question needs to be answered. Who would you replace him with?
Silence. I wasn’t trying to be a douchebag with the kid, but how many times do we mock the other coaches out there for goofy decision making? Now, you want to replace Q with one of them? I am starting to agree with him a bit. The Lepisto vs Scott issue and line juggling circus act has worn thin. I am not on the ledge, but I think the question merits reflection.
So who would you go after to right this ship? He and I have been sharing the most awkward pause since I asked him that. Please bail me out with some answers…
The thing is though...
…that it’s not our job to find and hire a new coach-that’s what Bowman gets paid for.
Every GM in sports has a list of potential replacement coaches/managers ready in case the unthinkable happens.
Just playing at fantasy GM
That’s all. And I agree that Stan should have a Plan B ready, but I doubt he does because Q is magical…
Fire Q and replace him with Edzo
so I don’t have to listen to Foley and him anymore.
Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."
i wouldn't be disappointed
with haviland. i feel like he did a pretty swell job last year filling in for q when his stomach was melting.
Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you!
by Gozer the Traveler on Feb 8, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
Hard to tell from a small sample
but we’ll lose him some-time soon to a HC job somewhere. Might as well be us (IF Q is on the outs). Make him “interim” and see what happens.
exactly what i was thinking
i highly doubt Q is on the outs during the season, but if he is, i’d feel ok with havi.
Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you!
by Gozer the Traveler on Feb 8, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions
Q's preferred vagueness is becoming sad
Usually when the Hawks are winning and making it really hard on other teams to answer their skill and system, Q’s vague approach with the press comes across as strategic.
In moments like these, 6 games into a losing streak where the same failings repeatedly show up and the same mediocre type of effort leads to a loss, Q’s vague useless comments really just show a man with no answers. He saw the problems, but there are no answers.
So here we are 6 games into a losing streak and what is the answer? Morrison. And: “We’re looking.”
The clock is this team’s worst fucking nightmare, and the schedule only gets harder on Friday night.
I had the most absurd nightmare. I was poor and no one liked me. I lost my job,
I lost my house, Penelope hated me. And it was all because of this terrible Negro.
"How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."
by thepuckstopshere31 on Feb 8, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
Plan
It’s just coming together. Wait it out.
by Hi, I'm Bob LeDonne on Feb 8, 2012 8:30 AM CST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
It's not that I want this to happen, but .....
….. Maybe coach could have another upper body injury and let Mike Haviland run the team for a week. I don’t really want to see coach go and I don’t want to see Haviland go, but we are probably gonna lose him to a coaching position after this year anyway. Maybe he’s got a position here. It’s all very sad. They need to rally around something. GO HOCKS!
Somebody make someone a sandwich!
changes
Some type of change is needed.
New goalie? For the second time this season, Crow will get extra attention from Stephane Waite and a bucket of pucks before each practice. What do they hope to turn Crow into? He is what he is and he’s not good enough.
Add a new “D” man, or two? Where are they going to come from?
Get a top six winger? See above.
A secind line center? See above.
New strategy and tactics?
If the coach can’t sort out a solution then maybe a coaching change is in order. Coaching change seemed to work wonders in St. Louis. The power play has been futile and is very predictable and lacking imagination. I see it in practice and in games. Maybe Q s out of ideas. I’d love to see some of our core work on some shootout moves. I’d like to see Kane come up with some new moves entering the offensive zone. This team is just too predictable. Whatever Q is preaching, these guys aren’t buying into it.
Having said all that, a nicewinning streak right now would go a long way towards making me feel better about this team.
I know I shouldn't be doing this, but sometimes I just can't help myself.
(Wow, how many times have I said that in my life. Way more than any normal person should. But I digress.)
So I went over to hockeybuzz to see what fun I could have chuckling at JJ’s take on the current state of affairs and…OH..MY..FUCKING..GOD.
Did you know that:
—> The current Hawks problems are completely and utterly Stan Bowman’s and John McDonough’s fault because of their complete bungling of the contracts they pay the ‘core’ players and the way they’ve structured the organization and marketed the team.
—> This team (and the entire franchise apparently) is fucked and just beginning a death spiral that they will ride into oblivion, not just for this season but for the foreseeable future.
—> So everyone should drop their season tickets, stop going to games, don’t spend nickel #1 on anything Hawks related, kick all your Hawks paraphernalia into a pile in the corner of your closet and just walk away. Hit ‘em where it really hurts. You’ll all be better off for it.
***********************************************************************************
I think I’ve finally learned my lesson.
{ “Hi, my name is nextgame and I’m a recovering hockeybuzz reader.”
“Hi nextgame!”}
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
You need to remember...
… if you go over to JJ’s site “to get a laugh” at what he is saying, you need to actually laugh at what he is saying. You can’t get upset. JJ thrives on being the guy that is wrong on the Internet. You can’t let him suck you in…
Couple thoughts...
Unfortunately (fortunately?) I missed the game last night. I’m not sure who was carrying the play in the 1st and 2nd but when I saw that the Hawks took 1-0 and 2-1 leads only to concede goals immediately thereafter – I instantly thought of the old “Losing is contagious” mantra. It’s true. Even if Colorado deserved to be winning, giving up quick replies is, pretty much, the ultimate nut-kick. When it feels like you can’t catch a break, you usually won’t.
Anyways, the thoughts:
1. PK can be improved with personnel and tactics, but at the end of the day the guys on the PK have to run like rabid dogs out there. If you put in 3 minutes of ice-time on the kill over the course of a game – they should be the hardest 3 minutes of exercise you partake in that week. No joking. If you’re not willing to come off the ice damn near half dead after a shift, you’re not doing it right. You have to want to outwork your opponent and it doesn’t seem like that’s happening regularly enough.
2. The 1989 Calgary Flames lost 9 in-a-row (in regulation). Must be some kind of record for a cup winner. They made zero trades.
3. The 1999-2000 Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils fired Robbie Ftorek with 8 games remaining in the season (replaced by Larry Robinson who finished the season 4-4-0).
With all the talk of Q (for the record I’ve never been a big fan) and player acquisitions, I’m not sure exactly what I’m getting at with points 2 & 3, but it’s something along the lines of; panic will happen, but teams must look at the reasons for panic as objectively as possible. When that course has been taken, the resulting decision must be made with conviction. Many ways to skin a cat, Hawks need to find theirs.
You are next.
I made an error in my post
Sorry thought I had this correct but should’ve checked before posting…
The 1985-86 Calgary Flames lost 11 in-a-row and made the Stanley Cup Finals only to lose to the Habs. They did make a trade acquiring John Tonelli for the playoff run (he played 9 regular season games). Sorry for the mistake, I don’t know if age or stupidity jumbled the facts in my mind. Point remains though. In the face of a horrid losing streak, they righted the ship. 11 games is freakin’ epic too.
You are next.
by M7 on Feb 8, 2012 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
can we start the "M7 for Next Hawks Coach" campaign right here?
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
After dealing with 10 in a row twice last season, I agree with that. We didn’t make it to the Stanley Cup finals though – just got a bright and shiny Swede instead. I’m impressed with that little fact though.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.
Headline should be: Time to Question Bowman and McDonough
Whether you liked or disliked Brian Campbell, the $7.5 million has been absolutely squandered this year through the acquisition of several spare parts, none of which is making a difference.
Bowman and the man who hired him, McDonough, are accountable for this.
And yes, the power play is clown shoes.
The Soupy trade is about more than this year
it is about clearing a contract from the books that would have been a concrete block around the neck of the team in its later stages. The acquisitions made using cap space are limited by the available players to acquire. You can’t just will there to be a market of better talent when you have space. Most of the ‘big impact’ players last off-season were had for huge contracts which would not have fixed anything.
I’m not sure what specific actions you would have wanted them to take last offseason.
by oregon_hawk on Feb 8, 2012 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Just asking.
Do you think it would have made a big difference if that money had been spent on one stud player (or maybe two studish players), O or D, and filled out the rest of the roster with whatever you could squeeze in under the cap?
My personal opinion is that it would not have made that much of a difference because I think the problems we are seeing go beyond what any one (or two) players can correct.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
With the benefit of hindsight . . .
. . . I think the people we acquired are basically a “bunch of guys.” So yes, I think two studs would be better.
It's on Bowman more than anything
Look, “the core” is the core….Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Bolland, Keith, Seabrook."
1. The PROBLEM is what orbits around the core isn’t good enough. Specifically when it comes to disciplined ice movement, forechecking, clearing the puck and contributing defensively. If you’re a forward and you’re not a member of “the core,” then your job absolutely positively MUST be about doing all those things at feverish consistent pitch.
2. The PROBLEM also is that a former member of “the core,” Brian Campbell, was jettisoned and is severely missed.
3. The PROBLEM is Bowman’s strategy of veteran bargain hunting has not worked. Brunette hasn’t come in here and addressed what is raised in point number 1. Morrison looks like he has little to contribute. At least Carcillo brought energy, but he’s done in a Hawk uniform. Mayers has been adequate. O’Donnell is a bit contributor and nothing more. Lepisto is in the witness relocation program. Scott is his own pile o’ suck. And Bowman’s “investment” in a veteran, that being Montador, came out crap.
4. The PROBLEM is Bowman’s apparent possessiveness of organizational depth at the expense of pulling the trigger on a trade or two of substance that can fill critical holes on a team that otherwise, should be in full scale WIN NOW mode.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
You really, really hate Montador don't you?
Any particular reason?
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
Look Mrs. Montador
I’m happy that your son is a NHL player signed to a lucrative contract. But he’s been awful in a Hawk uniform. Putrid God-awful. To the point where his severe shortcomings as resulted in Q over-shifting Keith, Seabs and Hammer into the ground.
I don’t like your son in a Hawks uniform. I wish him well in all his future endeavors. Preferably wearing the uniform of the Redwings or Blues.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
attaboy
that’s the BLou we allknow and… know. You’ve been way too civil lately.
Question stands: how has he been “Awful”? He’s looked no worse than any of the rest of the D-men who don’t have Olympic Golds (obviously Scott is excluded from this)
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
He can't answer your question
He can merely parrot the same thing over and over again, and when asked why he thinks the way he does, he resorts to childish insults.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Feb 9, 2012 12:21 AM CST up reply actions
...and I should add Dale Tallon...
…for all his shortcomings, at least did not live in denial about the team’s needs or underperformance. He fired the weapon on player acquisition and disposal…and wasn’t afraid to do so. Stan on the other hand seems to lack the requisite objectivity. Case in point, why the hell is Bryan Bickell still in a Hawk uniform. And why o’ why hasn’t Bowman acquired a much needed primetime d-man.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Dale Tallon had the balls to win the Stanley Cup; I doubt whether Bowman and Mc D do
Winning the Cup is high risk, high reward. This team is being managed too conservatively right now because Mc D is looking over everyone’s shoulder.
It takes two to tango.
Trades don’t happen just because you want them to. If others are unable or unwilling to give the pieces we are looking for with reasonable compensation going in return then he (Bowman) shouldn’t be trying to make trades just for the appearance of “doing something”.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
sigh... being sucked in..
1. The core is not without fault. Toews had a turnover which led to a goal, keith and bolland haven’t exactly been dynamite…. the problem is team wide. It is NOT just the role-players.
2. Brian Campbell is gone. He isn’t coming back. It was a good decision for the future of the team. Brian Campbell, or lack thereof, is NOT the reason for defensive struggles this season.
3. Bowman’s strategy of veteran bargain hunting is strong because if it doesn’t work, these veterans are on short contracts. The entire point of getting these guys is that the available player list last off-season wasn’t exactly collapsing under its own potency.
4. “Win Now” is bullshit. Blowing depth on an attempt to “Win Now” is a good way to cripple the organization in the long term. If Bowman’s intention is to compete every year, making this sort of trade is the direct antithesis of that. Competing every year will mean that some years you aren’t able to compete as well as other years, but you’ll always be in the mix.
On point number 1.
Toews is taking the brunt of the blame for his turnover leading to a goal, and while, yes, it started the Avalanche rush going the other way, I think the primary blame on that play has to go to O’Donnell.
Why in God’s name was he pinching in deep, going down below the top of the face off circle along the boards behind Kane, when Kane was only a few feet inside the zone, and leaving Keith on an island to defend the odd man breakout for Colorado. (To make it even worse, Hammer had just gone off for a D change behind the play heading into the attack zone. O’Donnell has to be aware of this and hold back until the change is complete and Keith has a chance to gain his defensive position in the neutral zone.)
All three Hawk forwards were heading into the zone on that rush. There was absolutely no reason for OD to be pinching down low in that situation. IMO this goal resulted from a complete clusterfuck of a play by O’Donnell. In fact, it would be fine by me if O’Donnell kept his ass stapled to the blue line whenever we have posession in the attack zone ‘cause he’s never catching anybody on the backcheck if we get caught with our pants down, and that sure happens a lot lately.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
For starters, I would have lost Hjalmarsson for draft picks and kept Campbell
We also acquired a 3 million dollar contract (Olesz) in the Campbell deal. Losing Hjalmarsson for picks would have nearly been as economical.
Given that we have the chance to win the Cup this year, I think making a bad personnel move that hurts our chances this year is wrong strategically.
But even if I buy your rationale, Bowman has got NEXT TO NOTHING in return for Campbell. That’s my biggest beef. We were expecting a power forward/center for 3.5-4.0 and a solid D man for 3.5. And we got a bunch of spare parts.
Campbell was hugely vital to what the Hawks did
Look, his contract was an albratross. I get that. And I also get why Stan moved him. But he hasn’t been REMOTELY replaced in any element of his game. And it is KILLING the Hawks, and systematicaly killing the effectiveness of Keith, Seabs and Hammer in the process.
Campbell was superlative quarterbacking the PP. He also was great and buzzing the puck up the ice and getting the puck in deep for “the core” to do what they do and for the offense to run set plays (e.g., cycle the puck).
Losing Campbell has killed. Absolutely so.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
out PP is not the problem
Losing Campbell has been hard but hardly the team’s problem.
A 3-million dollar contract
which isn’t on the cap.
Also, hind-sight is 20-20, but + soupy and – hjammer means your top 6 is this:
keith/seabs
leddy/soupy
Odie/Lepisto/Monty/Scott
soupy was NOT that great in his own end. I don’t think that is any stronger than what we have by any significant margin. Especially because the problem isn’t necessarily the D alone, but the team as a whole.
What Bowman got in return for Soupy was cap flexibility for years.
also:
Hjammer hasn’t progressed the way he was projected to when they matched the offer sheet for him. That’s hardly on Stan.
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
Given the way he's panned out
He’s on the block this summer, unless he plays better down the stretch.
Hjalmarsson is not the problem
Rather he is an asset. He does solid work in his role as a grindy defenseman. Where his effectiveness has been hurt is in persistent pairing with Nick Leddy who is in way over his head at this juncture of his professional hockey career.
For somebody to critique Hammer’s contribution on the ice is severe indictment of what they know about hockey play. Good grief.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
by BLou on Feb 8, 2012 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
i agree with this one...on this particular point
Fighting stupidity since 1958 (its a much bigger project than originally envisioned).
Confusion will be my epitaph.
It needs more cowbell.
um..
I’d like either of you to point out where I say Hjammer has been ‘the problem’ or anything other than an ‘asset’.. or ignored the fact that he has been paired up with a guy who is still learning the game.. but he got offered a massive pay increase (originally by the Sha-Arks, of course) and, to quote Stan
Niklas was a big part of our success last year and he’s a big part of our core that’s going to be together for a long time.
Can you honestly say that Hjammer’s play this year makes him a ‘core’ player? He hasn’t been bad at all.. and quite possibly he will get there.. but right now, he’s not. But then again, what do I know according to Charlie Brown up there?
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
look directly below..
… I know I shouldn’t let this bother me.. but it does…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
I don't normally do this sort of thing..
but, to quote Leonard Cohen “For you I’m willing to make an exception”..
BLou, you’re AWFUL. I have never, for a single second, assumed that I had more experience and knowledge about Hockey than you. I came aboard the Blackhawks Train right about this time two years ago.. coming from a background and Country where Hockey is probably behind Tiddlywinks in terms of participation.. and I got rewarded with a Cup win that first year. While I was spending most of my time on crappy internet feeds trying to figure out where the hell the puck was.. but I learned, and am still learning. I love this blog because loads of people here helped me out while I was getting to grips with what is a very, very fast and confusing game (especially for those who weren’t raised with it). And now I feel confident enough to post my thoughts and opinions about how the game is going.. I feel I’m knowledgeable enough to do that… and I’ve got a thick enough skin to deal with people disagreeing.. but you.. man, you take the cake. If anyone cares to disagree with your STATEMENTS then, according to you, they have “No Idea About Hockey” or other iterations of the same theme.. And that’s terrible. There’s plenty of UC STHs on this site.. and a lot of them use their knowledge and experience to help folk who know less out. I’m just really pleased that my own early, ignorant posts met with these people rather than you. The sort of response you reserve for those who disagree would have likely sent me back into “Lurker” status.
So, shame on you. You’re a long-standing Blackhawks fan who actually gets to go to games.. try using that for good, to help others rather than declaring the utter dominance of your opinion.
That’s about it.
I’d rather have you as a friend than an enemy.
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
by mightymike D on Feb 8, 2012 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
it sure is
and the new record is Excellent.!
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
I'm calling bullshit
no way you read that in three minutes.
did i mention there was a quiz?
We like our people!
real quick reader..
.. and the old SCH timing may be a bit off…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
Quiz question #1
What was the first song Cohen played at the Isle of Wight festival?
We like our people!
my Dad was actually at that show..
and helped to stop a “Crowd Crush” becoming a disaster as everyone rushed to the ferries..
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
-1
for deflection.
Question #2: What term did Cohen use to describe the hooligans who were disrupting the festival?
We like our people!
oh,
“Bird On A Wire”.. and “Devastation Hill”? but according to the old man (and others who were there) the actual disruption may have been smaller than pictured…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
-2
your da’s experience is not on the syllabus.
actually, fascinating. /no snark
We like our people!
try telling Ger Devine Snr
that his experiences aren’t on the syllabus for allofus.. he also shot ‘Giles’ from ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ in the head. This is in no way untrue or an exaggeration.
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
Wow, you're way nicer than I would have been.
This reminds me of something a good friend always used to tell me about dealing with those that, shall we say, rub you the wrong way, and that was “Kill ’em with kindness”.
A lesson I’m still trying to learn.
Bravo to you sir.
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
next time just tell him to kiss your royal white Irish arse
but if not then I’ll do it.
I’d rather have you as a friend than an enemy.
Careful what you wish for?
SCH, a softer, kinder place to comment on violent sports.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 8, 2012 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
I know!
But I do actually mean it… I’d like to be “Free To Disagree” with BLou.. and I tried to open a discussion tonight in that vein.. and we all a how THAT worked out. (signed ‘Mrs. Montador’)
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
The goal isn't cap flexibility
The goal is to win the Stanley cup. That seems to be lost on Bowman and McD.
cap flexibility
enables a GM to collect the kind of players needed to win the cup.
Those players not being available for reasonable trades/prices is not indicative of a failure by a GM. If Ruutu isn’t coming to the hawks for anything less than a core player… that isn’t Stan’s fault.
I should think this would be obvious.
then it's also lost on Detroit
and Boston…and Pittsburgh. Want to continue playing?
On board with the "give Lepistö a chance to play - really play - here's why:
Out of curiosity, I went through all the games where Lepistö, Scott, and O’Donnell played. With which D on the ice were they getting the best results?
These results are by no means scientific, but they’re interesting. Think about Adam Burish, for example. You look at Burish and you go, “well, the guy doesn’t put up a lot of points on his own,” BUT… when he was in the game, the guys won more. Some intangibles just don’t show up on the scoresheets anywhere. The Lepistö sample is smaller in comparison to the others but since it’s about 20% of the games it at least shows enough trend to think it would overall be positive to put him in over Scott/OD.
Overall records:
With O’Donnell playing: 18-12-7 (0.486%), including being shut out 3x,
With Scott playing: 11-9-2 (0.500%), including being shut out 4x
With Lepistö playing: 6-4-1 (0.545%), zero shut outs
OD stats (37 games): 14:13 TOI/game, -5, 11 PIM, 0G/7A, 36 hits, 34 blocks, 8 TkA/23 GvA, 24 shots, 13 MsS
Scott stats (22 games): 7:44 TOI/game, +0, 28 PIM, 0G/1A, 28 hits, 10 blocks, 7 TkA/8 GvA, 7 shots/6 MsS
Lepistö stats (11 games): 12:14 TOI/game, +4, 4 PIM, 0G/0A, 9 hits, 3 blocks, 6 TkA/5 GvA, 12 shots/3 MsS
OD, Scott, Lepistö playing; but not in combination with another of the three:
OD solo: 16-7-6 (0.552%)
Scott solo: 7-4-1 (0.583%)
Lepistö solo: 2-0-0 (1.000%)
Line combos:
With OD/Scott in same game: 1-3-1, including being shut out 2x
With OD/Lepistö in same game: 1-2-1
With Scott/Lepistö in same game: 3-2-0
No matter which way you cut it, however, with OD playing, the team has the lowest % of wins… and he’s played the most out of the three (37 games).
Contrary to the meatheads’ screaming, Lepistö doesn’t suck. He’s made a bad play or two, but tell me the D-man on this team that hasn’t made bad plays, and that includes Seabs and Duncs. (In fact, don’t have to look back any further than the past three games to gawk in amazement at some truly mindblowing D plays all across the blue line)
If Montador is out for any amount of time with injury, I really hope they dust of the Finn and give him a run. Coach Q always seems to have one player who’s in Q’s doghouse for the year… can’t figure out what Lepistö has done to be that guy this season, especially in light of comparing 6th/7th man D stats side-by-side. To put it simply: Couldn’t hurt; might help.
Beyond the 6th/7th D, it also wouldn’t hurt to shake up the D lines more. And most of all, this team needs to focus on the game one shift at a time — but it’s much easier to say that on the outside looking in, versus being the guys on the ice who’re deep inside their own heads wondering what’s going wrong every game. Focus on what you can control: the shift you’re on; and the rest will follow.
www.hockeybroad.com - Just because I'm female, doesn't mean I want my sports gear to be pink.
by HockeyBroad on Feb 8, 2012 1:19 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
i can't believe scott has more starts then him
i mean i believe it because it happened and i saw it. but still.
"Orange Mocha Frappuccino!"
I got curious, so I started crunching CORSI.
And here’s what I found:
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/hockeybroad/chicago-blackhawks/could-possible-solution-chicagos-d-man-woes-be-sitting-its-press
www.hockeybroad.com - Just because I'm female, doesn't mean I want my sports gear to be pink.
Question for you
Do you have data on Monty and Lepisto playing together? I have NO idea what they are doing with Lepisto either. The only thing I can think of is that they don’t like Monty and Lepisto playing together. There really isn’t enough games played to make a stats claim on that. And truth is, I haven’t found any data to support NOT playing Lepisto. So I was just curious what the numbers were.
Like I’ve said before, I don’t understand how the Hawks have used Montador this year and Lepisto is definitely part of that.
waylon
that was directed at HockeyBroad…
"It could be worse: there could be blood squirtin' out of your nose"
The Hawk
from the Hawks before they went on to become The Band.
I wanted the Packers to win the Super Bowl, Megan!
finally!
this was really bugging me, especially with Chico all “Every Canadian will recognize him” I thought for sho he had to be a hockey player.
Anyway, for anyone slower than me, here you go.
We like our people!
Thank you!
Holy crap Sam was right; extremely obscure. Like cliff, I was also thinking he had to be a hockey guy.
Let's Go Hawks!
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- Watch Ilya Kovalchuk’s Game 6 goal for Devils, a.k.a. power-play porn (VIDEO)
- Devils look to eliminate Rangers in Game 6; Hal Gill’s broken tibia (Playoff Puck Previews)
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