Chicago Blackhawks 2011-2012

[wrangler 157]

I missed the last two games; I just got home from Michigan. I saw the scores, and it looks like it was just more of the same. These problems have been present all season, but they managed to win games earlier in the season anyway.

[goliath_2 0]

That's more like it.

[wrangler 157]

One good period with a wide-open five-hole to shoot at, two decent periods with a closed five-hole that they kept shooting at, poor power play, not enough shots taken; and it's still one game. Let us not forget that the losing streak followed a 6-4-2 stretch of games, making it 7-12-3 in their last 22 games. Meahwhile St. Louis and Nashville have been doing well, and Detroit is still red-hot. There's a long way to go before they have a team that can win a 7-game series against a quality opponent.

It sure was nice watching the first period, though, as well as the improved performance and tactics on most of the penalty kills.

[jds 20]

Reports of Jonathan Toews in car accident

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/02/23/toews-hits-pole-in-loop-leaves-in-ambulance/

[wrangler 157]

I have to wonder how badly someone could get hurt, and still have people asking for autographs. ESPN quotes a team spokesman stating that Toews wasn't injured.

http://espn.go.com/c...jalmarsson-back

[jds 20]

Curses. How will we stop those Blackhawks?!

[goliath_2 0]

I have to wonder how badly someone could get hurt, and still have people asking for autographs. ESPN quotes a team spokesman stating that Toews wasn't injured.

http://espn.go.com/c...jalmarsson-back

Yea, people can definitely be idiots. I'm glad to see he's OK, good news about Hammer as well. However, some not so good rumors floating about Montador's condition. Since Toews is OK, I don't feel so bad saying that I knew Tazer doesn't drive a Chevy.

Battle.

[wrangler 157]

Curses. How will we stop those Blackhawks?!

Apparently steel beams won't do it.

Yea, people can definitely be idiots. I'm glad to see he's OK, good news about Hammer as well. However, some not so good rumors floating about Montador's condition. Since Toews is OK, I don't feel so bad saying that I knew Tazer doesn't drive a Chevy.

Battle.

Good news, if you like to see Hjalmarsson play. I'm not that impressed with his play since the Cup year, and Olsen's coming along nicely. I guess it's better than O'Donnell, come to think of it.

I hope they remember to show up against a team they probably expect to beat.

It sounds like Kane will center Sharp and Hossa tonight. I remember Kane and Sharp both taking turns at center last game.

[Chadd 916]

Sharp did a decent job in the middle when they won the cup. I wonder why they keep rotating the same people through that spot and thinking it's somehow going to be better or different.

[goliath_2 0]

Sharp did a decent job in the middle when they won the cup. I wonder why they keep rotating the same people through that spot and thinking it's somehow going to be better or different.

There are gaping holes in the lineup (2L Center, 4th D...) and Q is a well-known line shuffler. Bowman needs to grow a pair and acquire the players we need. Sharp is much more effective as a wing and occasional point shooter on the PP. We need a strong 2nd line center that can win face-offs and is good on the PP. Carter went to LA because Bowman wasn't willing to pay the asking price. I'm starting to grow very tired of this. With ~ $5mil of cap room, management needs to make a move if the Hawks are going to make a playoff run. Otherwise, it's another season down the tubes for a team with some of the most talented forwards in the league. IMO, of course...

[Chadd 916]

Oh, I agree that Sharp is much better on the wing with a playmaking center. But as many people have pointed out lately, there are only two or three teams that are obvious sellers at this point. I find it hard to believe that Columbus would have worked a trade within their own division to Chicago. That said, I'm very happy they didn't trade Carter to the Hawks. I live close enough to Philly to hear the rumors and I don't think picking him up, for any price, would have been a good move. The Hawks also have a pretty high payroll for next season, adding another $5M to that would have created huge problems over the next couple years.

[wrangler 157]

Hard to second-guess Bowman when we don't know what other GMs have demanded of him in return for decent players. I don't think personnel is the biggest problem, though. The coaches don't seem to be able to cure the players' tendency to randomly decide to take periods, games, or shifts off. It doesn't seem to be a question of physical ability, just a lack of smart play and teamwork.

[goliath_2 0]

Well, with blueliners like Olsen and Leddy <shudder>, tomorrow night should be interesting now that LA has a new offensive weapon to go with their superb goaltending. Let's hope D shows up for all three periods.

[wrangler 157]

I thought I'd seen some poor performances, but tonight is the laziest I've ever seen the Blackhawks come out. Something has to happen with the coaching. These guys are not mentally or emotionally ready to play.

[wrangler 157]

Looks like just more of the same from Bowman, maybe even worse. I'd rather have Scott than a 5th round pick. I've always wondered about the wisdom of dumping Dale Tallon. The jury's still out, but they may be getting closer to a verdict.

[Chadd 916]

Tallon has been doing a good job in Florida

[wrangler 157]

That's the impression I've been getting. And I like the guy.

[goliath_2 0]

It sounds like Bowman may have had his hands tied pre-deadline by McDonough. I have also been wondering what Tallon would be doing in this situation. Personally, I'm glad to see Scott leave, even for a 5th round pick. I don't see much of a point dressing that guy to play 3 minutes per game. He's slow and doesn't seem to be particularly effective as an enforcer. Toews was getting knocked around pretty good with Scott on the roster, something that should not have been happening.

[wrangler 157]

There were a lot of games Scott didn't dress. I've heard that there were rumors about Bowman being restricted, but the word here is that it's not true.

[goliath_2 0]

True or not, I think we can all agree that moves needed to be made. Their play lacks organization and even a shred of heart. With only three points separating the Hawks and ninth-place Dallas, I think the possiblity of post-season play for Chicago is now remote.

[wrangler 157]

True or not, I think we can all agree that moves needed to be made. Their play lacks organization and even a shred of heart. With only three points separating the Hawks and ninth-place Dallas, I think the possiblity of post-season play for Chicago is now remote.

That points to coaching, for motivation, and intelligent teamwork. They should be doing better with the players they have. I won't be surprised if they make the playoffs, but I'm very tired of hearing that "anything can happen" after that. I don't see this team playing well enough consistently to win a 7 game series without changes in the coaching.

[goliath_2 0]

^ Agreed.

[ahenecke 0]

What is wrong with Crawford? Also, why did we trade for Brendan Morrison if we aren't going to play him? At least they won a game tonight.

[Chadd 916]

What is wrong with Crawford? Also, why did we trade for Brendan Morrison if we aren't going to play him? At least they won a game tonight.

The guy that determines the lineup isn't the one that made the trade. Not dressing Morrison could be a developing rift between Bowman and Q.

[wrangler 157]

Q seems to be way too indecisive about his goalies. His changes don't often make sense. The biggest problem I saw with the first period was that the skaters didn't skate.