Chicago Blackhawks 2011-2012

[hunt3rsean 44]

I'm not sure what the coaching staff is trying to do. It's almost as if they can't recapture their image from the Cup season then they just don't know how to structure the team. Obviously, the '10/'11 season was a fiasco due to the salary dump of players. This season was very very promising in the first half and fell to shambles during that 9 game losing streak. Special teams is what hurt this team. The lack of scoring on the PP is brutal and the PK was tough to watch. I wouldn't mind the PK taking suggestions from the NYR standard. Put those bodies in the lanes and pucks out of the net.

Mayers was a good addition on the 4th line and played his role well. He gave 100% every night, stood up for teammates, and grinded it out everytime he put his skates on the ice. Yes, he has stone hands, but his presence was felt and that's what you want out of a 4th line player. And without a true enforcer Mayers is the next best thing to have.

Carcillo . . . . you either love him or you hate him. I think adding him was good. I think if the Blackhawks can shore up their PK then his added agitation is a plus. He's Burrish with better hands. Now, the decision the Hawks make is what to do with Shaw now that they've resigned Carcillo for 2years. Shaw is a very similar player to Carcillo, but without the history and maybe an even higher ability to score. Do either player trully belong on the top 2 lines? Carcillo probably not. Shaw earned his place there the latter half of the season, but can he stay there is a big question. But either way...you need this type of grinding/agitating player that has a bit of offensive threat. Opens up space.

Oduya . . . . LOVED him during regular season. Tore my hair out in post season. His calm and collective nature went out the window during playoffs. Saw him cough the puck up and just make little mental mistakes all over the place. Had he played consistantly like he did during regular season maybe Hawks stand a better chance to advance (Note: not greater...just better). I wouldn't mind seeing him back again. I liked his composure and seemed to gel with the other players.

I'd love to see at least one of the old guys gone. Montador seemed to fit well and providing some positive plays but was then concussed. Tough to say if he'll be back or not due to that. O'Donnell doesn't have the legs for this league anymore. Brunette has already confirmed he won't be back which is fine by me. He did provide some nifty behind the net play and in tight stuff on the PP, but not near enough to keep him around.

The young kids. . . .what do you do here? Stick them back in the AHL to furment a little more? Is Shaw trully ready for the NHL? Is Hayes? I think Hayes showed he may need another season in Rockford. Although, his size is huge he may need to work on a couple things. He never seemed to break from the 4th line role.