Well, here we are, one day closer to a rapidly approaching hockey season. In keeping with the format that Sam established yesterday (and I use the word "format" very loosely in this case), today's issue will be something that I addressed in the comments regarding Huet, and that is......

For approximately the first two months of last season, the Hawks seemingly possessed at least a serviceable, if not elite penalty killing unit, unofficially right up through December's March to the Sea. From that point on, the penalty kill became a liability, one which was exacerbated by the fact that this was a young team with a propensity to take undisciplined or selfish penalties (Patrick Kane and Ben Eager, I'm looking in your directions, respectively). The Hawks finished 18th in the league, killing 80.3% of their penalties, after what appeared to be a promising start to the season in that department.

Even in the playoffs, facing two teams with mediocre power plays (Vancouver ranked 17th in the regular season at 18.8%, Calgary at 21st at 17.0%), the Hawks only killed 78.5% of their penalties, second-worst behind Scum of teams that got out of the first round. And while we know how both of those seasons ended, it's simply not good hockey sense to basically be allowing one power play goal a game at that rate. So now the question becomes- how will the Hawks improve upon those numbers this year, and give the positioning-reliant Cristobal Huet more than a fighter's chance to be his team's best penalty killer?

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Oh you thought we were done with these reviews, didn't you?  Well we ain't.  On April 23rd we featured probably my favorite Beard of the Day of the whole playoffs - Billy Mays.  If you weren't too busy listening to Thriller for the 70th time in a row, you may have heard that he passed away this weekend too.  They say celebrity deaths always come in threes - Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson... but leave it to Billy Mays to throw an extra one in there for free.  So to pay tribute, we're giving you one extra season review - Joel Quenneville.

First off - sorry about how weird that info box looks.  I edited the thing manually and can't figure out how to make it look better.  Sue me.

The Good:  A 104 point season and a trip to the Western Conference finals - that's the good.  OK, 3 of those points belong to Savard but it was Q that was the man that lead the team (other than Toews).  Q was a better choice to coach the team for many reasons.  He's better at playing match ups, better at implementing special team systems and bluntly, just a better coach. The Blackhawks were supposed to be good, everyone pretty much expected them to make the playoffs.  I don't think most expected them to head to the Western Conference Finals.  Q's even hand was a good reason for that - he showed discipline that the team needed, benching both Sharp and Kane for dumb penalties, benching players when they didn't play well (sometimes) and providing the Hawks with the experience they needed.

Whether by luck or by intuition, Q was responsible for putting together one of the more dominating lines in the NHL with Ladd-Bolland-Havlat.  So even if it was blind luck, at least he stuck with it.

The Bad:  Lets start with the fact that Walker played 65 games.  We're hard on Walker, sure, but there's really no reason that he should have played over Johnson for so many games.  Q seems to have a boner for Walker's "toughness", which I guess was something the Hawks lacked but it still doesn't make up for his coverage in his own zone.  Some of the line's that Q went with didn't quite make sense either - The Versteeg-Pahlse-Kane line never made much sense but it was sent out there well beyond the experimenting time period.  His tendency to play the "best match-up" might have been a bit too strict at times too.

Lets also mention his blow up in Game 4 against the Red Wings.  Now, coaches lose their cool and it can be a good thing, just think of all the MLB managers that are notorious for losing it and are thought of as legends, Cox, Martin, Piniella, Weaver.  They're full of them.  But they do it at the right time.  Game 4, when the Hawks were only down 2 goals was not that time.  The Hawks had made a habit of coming from behind in the playoffs... they were still in it.  Instead, Q blows up on the fact that Walker got a roughing penalty for nothing.  The team then followed suit and the Hawks were out of the playoffs.

Is it fair to say the Hawks lost the series right at that moment?  No, but it's close.  They probably lose to the Red Wings anyway but Q's explosion didn't help.  Q needs to find a way to beat the Red Wings, something he doesn't have the greatest record of doing.

Playoff Beard Strength:  Q says to hell with your beards - He'll keep his perfect mustache thank you very much.  Can't say I blame him - dude's been working on it for longer than most of us have probably been alive.  This is still one of my favorite pictures of him:

Nicknames: Q, Coach Q

Related Photoshops:  We've been trying our hardest to get a Quenneville photoshop involving Q from Star Trek: TNG but we can't find a good reason to use it and it's probably too obscure, even for this site.  But if any of you can do it - you'll have our eternal gratitude.

The Grade:  Time will tell if Q is the right man to lead the Hawks to the cup but I don't see how there could be many complaints based on his performance this year.  He'll need to keep a cooler head when the game reaches the heights it did in Game 4.. but for this past season I give him an A.

With the season now over after a return to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals, we're looking back at each player who wore the Indian Head sweater for the 08-09 Season and grading their performance. We conclude our player reviews with this year's hockey messiah, Martin Havlat.

Martin Havlat

#24 / Right Wing / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 217

Born: Apr 19, 1981

Contract Status - UFA - 08-09 Cap Hit - $6 million

The Good: Where to start? This year, Hawks fans finally saw the Martin Havlat they thought they were going to when he was brought in after the lockout. He stayed healthy, playing in 81 games, and posted career highs in assists, points, and +/-,  leading all Hawks in the former two categories, and all Hawk forwards in the latter. All of this while facing top competition nightly with linemates Andrew Ladd and Dave Bolland, having been moved onto the line in early December, and finally displaying a previously unearthed two-way game. More than that, though, was the eye-test. There were many nights in the dog-days of February where Marty carried the team on his back, a trick he resumed in the playoffs when the Hawks needed it most (Game 1 v Calgary, Game 4 v Vancouver). When the Hawks flat out HAD to have a goal this year, the first one you looked to was #24 in the Indian Head.

The Bad: While it would be easy to carp about how we had to wait for a contract year to see this from Marty in this space, that's not what's going to happen. But more on that in a bit. This year, specifically, my only major complaint is the slow start. Remember, Havlat was initially put on the Bolland/Ladd line ostensibly as punishment; a kick in the ass from Quenneville. The move immediately payed dividends with Havlat potting the game-tying goal against Anaheim on December 3rd, his first game with the kids. But other than that, I'm hard-pressed to find much fault in Marty's game this year. He earned his nickname for a reason.

Playoff Beard Strength: What was an immaculately groomed, metrosexual beard worthy of a Jose Cuervo Black commercial during  the regular season, became a fearsome harbinger of doom for western Canadian hockey teams in the playoffs. Swedes playing for Detroit, however, weren't as intimidated.


Nicknames: Marty, Martylark, (D Ladd) Soul, Jesus Havlat Christ, JHC

Related Photoshops:  The sensation that swept the nation

The Grade:  It's an A, obviously. And since it grows more and more likely with each passing second that this is Havlat's last day as a Hawk, I'm going to take this opportunity to praise him. While all outward appearances indicated this being a stereotypical contract year performance, this was not the case. A lack of someone to get him the puck where he needed it prior to this year, as well as a series of fluke injuries limited his playing time, but he's always been a point per game player when healthy. To all the naysayers- remember his first month as a Blackhawk, when he led the NHL in scoring before getting hurt in Dallas? Was it a contract year then? Here's hoping all of the cock-teasing he's done via Twitter actually comes to fruition. If not, best of luck to you Marty. You will be missed.

With the season now over after a return to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals, we're looking back at each player who wore the Indian Head sweater for the 08-09 Season and grading their performance.  Next up is our captain, Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews

#19 / Center / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 209

Born: Apr 29, 1988

Contract Status:    2.8 Million Cap Hit (RFA after next year)

The Good: It's only fair that I review Toews since McClure wrote about Sharp and Sam wrote up Keith and Bolland.  We've completed the circle and everyone gets to write about the player whose jersey we own.  I was one of the many that jumped at the chance for a cheap Chinese Toews jersey and I've never looked back.  It's given me the chance to retire my Ruutu jersey on game days.  Enough about me - on to Toews.

So I actually thought this would be easy to write but it turns out it's hard to praise Toews without sounding mighty redundant.  Go back and read most game wraps and there's praise for Toews in them somewhere.  All the numbers that should have gone up did and the ones that should go down, went down. We saw him develop as he's almost impossible to beat along the boards.  It led to the ultimate drinking game - any time Toews goes into a battle along the boards and comes up with the puck, drink.  Pass out by the first TV timeout.

His faceoff numbers improved and he's well on his way towards becoming an elite faceoff man in the NHL - and his wrister from the circles is something we'd all love to see more of. Lets just wrap it up saying there's tons of good about Toews and it should get better next year.

The Bad: The 12 game goal-less streak to start the season was bad but not nearly as bad as most people thought.  He still had 7 points in that streak and was still the strong player we expect him to be.  It may lead into possible the biggest complaint you can have about Toews - he tries to do too much.  At times you can see him trying to carry the team and sometimes he does it (see the Penguins game or game 2 against the Flames).  However sometimes all that ends up happening is that he grips his stick too tight and we see Toews angrier than he usually looks. 

Playoff Beard Strength:  Damn sad.. but his Playoff Mutton Chop Strength was off the charts.

Nicknames: Tazer, The Captain, Captain Serious, 1/2 of Daydream Nation,

Photoshops: I feel like I'm probably missing one or two but this is all that comes to mind

The Grade: I have to go with an A.. but with room for improvement.  We don't think we've seen the ceiling for him yet so he'll have to keep getting better for us to keep grading him so high but I don't think that'll be an issue.  There isn't any doubt the Hawks made the right choice in giving him the C.  Now lets see what they do this time next year... Your thoughts?

With the season now over after a return to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals, we're looking back at each player who wore the Indian Head sweater for the 08-09 Season and grading their performance.  Next up is one seriously lucky man, Craig Adams.

Craig Adams

#27 / Right Wing / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 6-0

Weight: 197

Born: Apr 26, 1977

Contract Status:    Just signed a 2-year deal for 1.1 Million (.550 Cap Hit)

The Season:

With the Hawks:

The Good: Not much with the Hawks really.  He did his role which is to not be completely lost out there but there wasn't any room on the team for him.  So he was waived - and picked up by the eventual Stanley Cup Champions.  That's pretty damn good.  The fact that he had 3 goals and 2 assists in the playoffs is amazing.  That's 5 points in 24 games compared to 7 points in 45.

The Bad:  Can't really say there's much "bad" to Craig Adams - no one expected him to light the world on fire and he didn't.  He's not very gifted on offense (except for the playoffs evidently) and he never is a huge liability.

Playoff Beard Strength:  Stronger than Crosby's

Photoshops: None.. but he's in here somewhere.

The Grade:  Does it really matter what we grade him?  I'd have to say a C or a B but congrats on winning your second cup Craig.  I was rooting for you.

Patrick Kane

#88 / Right Wing / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 5-10

Weight: 175

Born: Nov 19, 1988

Contract:  1 year left at 3.75

The Good:  A lot more of it then I think a lot of people realize, and McClure and I are both terrified of where the comments might lead on this one.  Anyway, Kane once again, for the most part, showed better hands than anyone who has plied his trade on the West Side since Savard.  For the first three months of the season, until THAT Cleary hit, he was a point-per-game player, and a dominating force on the power play.  His 35 points with the extra man landed him 11th in the league.  Come playoff time, he was still a point-per-game player, and produced a tour-de-force in Game 6 against Vancouver that honestly you'll remember for the rest of your life.  Sadly, his goal in Game 5 against Scum was even better, but got lost in our elimination.  Watch it again, and tell me how many players in the league are capable of that.  He also set up Weapon's winner in Game 5 in Vancouver, which turned that series. He still finished the regular season at basically a point-a-game, even though this season he was seeing team's best checking lines and was frequently targeted. 

The Bad:  Kaner was a lot more streaky this year, and there were huge gaps in his scoring.  There were also some pretty lackidaisical play in his own end, and some lazy penalties.  I fear these might always be part of his game, but he'll more than make up for it at the other end.  He also played through the knee injury suffered at the hands of Cleary, and probably should have taken more time off for it. 

Playoff Beard Strength:  Sad.

Nicknames:  Kaner, Hatrick Kane, Crazy 88's. 

Photoshops:  I know Thor did one for the hat trick, but I can't find it.  Someone will add it here I'm sure.

The Grade:  There are some writers and fans (it rhymes with Barry Rozner) who will spend eternity ignoring what a special talent this kid is.  They'll question his toughness, which is so fucking ridiculous I want to vomit with rage.  This kid was battered by Calgary and Vancouver, and eventually came back to shove it up both their asses.  Look at how he fought through checks to set up Sharp in Game 2 against Calgary, or score the first of his hat trick.  This kid doesn't give a shit.  Yes, he can be a liability in his own zone.  Yes, he goes games without scoring.  You know who else does?  ALMOST EVERY OTHER FUCKING 20-YEAR OLD IN THE LEAGUE.  Quite simply, when the Hawks need a moment conjured out of nothing, Kane is the most likely to provide it.  How many Hawks could have scored his hattrick completing goal?  One, and that's Kane (Havlat maybe).  He's put up back-to-back 70 point seasons, mostly as a teenager, and you get the feeling next year he's going to break out even more.  It's an A here, if only so I can stand alone from the mouthbreathers.  But have your say:

With the season now over after a return to the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals, we're looking back at each player who wore the Indian Head sweater for the 08-09 Season and grading their performance. We now move on to the odd man out in the playoffs and Wii enthusiast, Colin Fraser.

Colin Fraser

#46 / Center / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 6-1

Weight: 188

Born: Jan 28, 1985
Contract Status - RFA - '08-'09 Cap Hit: $500K

The Good: Fraser came into camp at the beginning of last year likely headed for another season of platooning between Rockford and the big club, and ended up making the team both by earning a spot, but also due to cap constraints as well. He ended up contributing meaningful shifts at both ends of the ice, centering the 4th line for all but one game of the 82-game regular season. His 17 points and a +3 are more than anyone can ask for from a 4th line center. Often pivoting Burish and Eager, the three as a unit provided energy and physicality when called upon. Frazz was also a part of the penalty kill unit, and showed a willingness to get his body in front of shots when covering point men on the PK. During his limited action in the playoffs, he did not look out of place with the level of competition, and was a factor in the Game 5 heartbreaker in Detroit logging key minutes, and even had a couple of prime scoring chances.

The Bad: I can't really say much bad about a guy that next to nothing was expected from (unless that someone is Matt Walker), and contributed the way he did. While he has very little offensive polish, he is certainly not a liability in any zone of the ice by fourth line standards. However, Fraser could stand to drastically improve his faceoff numbers, as he finished the year at a 47.8% clip. He also could probably increase his strength a bit as well, if this indeed is going to be the niche he carves for himself in the league.

Playoff Beard Strenght:  Once again, Western Canada keeps it proud, with Fraser sporting a full red beard, despite his minimal playing time in the playoffs.

Nicknames: Frazz, Frazzle Dazzle, Mario

Related Photoshops: None from us, but Puck Daddy juxtaposes two images one would have never thought to be related prior to this playoff year.

The Grade: Based on expectations and his role on the fourth line, I'm willing to give Colin Fraser an A for the season. As I stated above, at no point was he a liability on the ice, and he centered arguably the most effective fourth line in the league, which has a ripple effect through the lineup when a coach can roll through all of his forwards regularly. Yes, his faceoffs need work, but if he continues to improve, there's no reason he could not develop into a Phalsson-esque shutdown centerman in his own right. What say you?

Dave Bolland

#36 / Center / Chicago Blackhawks

Height: 6-0

Weight: 181

Born: Jun 05, 1986

Contract Status:  RFA

The Good:  Oh, so so much.  I have to claim bias here, as McClure did with Sharp, but I've been waiting for Bolland for years.  During the darkest days of 2005-2006, the only shining light I could find were the junior numbers Bolland was putting up in London.  (104 points in 59 games is Kane-like).  So I waited with bated breath for his arrival, got a brief glimpse last season, and got everything I wanted this year.  Bolls started playing as the checking center, and did a more than respectable job there.  He ended the year in the positive side of Behind The Net, and a +19, even though he faced the second toughest competition of anyone all season.  On Dec. 3rd, Jesus H. was shifted to that line with Fabulous Weapon and Ladd, and that line produced maybe some of the best hockey this side of Getzlaf's line in Anaheim.  Eventually, it became obvious that this line was now your #2 scoring line, and lost some of its checking duties.  Bolls also came up with arguably the biggest goal of the season, the winner in Game 5 against Vancouver.  Weapon showed hands, vision, positional sense, and a fair share of grit along the boards.  As you can see, I'm completely giddy at what this kid might do, just terrified it might be in another uniform due to his RFA status.

The Bad:  There's some, though not all his fault.  I screamed for Bolland to be on the PP all season, and when he finally was he looked totally lost (until the aforementioned Game 5) on a point.  But it was Q who threw him out there on a point, so not all his fault.  Also, statistically, Bolly was the Hawks worst pk-er, but I'm not sure that holds up to the eye test.  He was also a detriment on face-offs, winning only 44% of his draws.  But all of these can improve with time.

Playoff Beard Strength:  Iffy at best, like much of the roster just patchy and sketchy

Nicknames:  Bolls, and Bolley, but was dubbed Fabulous Weapon in February, and that's what he shall be known as. 

Related Photoshops: Not a photoshop, but we have to show this again.

The Grade: If there were inbetween grades, I would give Bolland a B+, just because I think there's room for growth in his game.  But seeing as how there isn't, Bolland proved to be a genuine #2 center in a salary-cap era, and showed he can do anything he's asked.  He is a must-re-sign, and this kid has a huge fucking ceiling.  So, I'll go with an A.  You?