Lidstrom also had one of the best net front guys in history to work with. It was a good combo.
- breadbag

No argument there, but 15 does a good job of planting and anchoring. His 604 frame is the perfect thing to have at the net on the PP. It can be done. Its a mindset thing too. Pay the price and get in there. The My Pretty Pony Dance above the circles may work in the regular season (it isnt at the moment), but come playoff time? Dirty/greasy goals win games.

Hawks were good against the Preds despite the loss. Not saying they played a perfect game, but they looked good most of the night. They didn't get enough traffic on the goalie, but they had a good edge in play against a division rival that was rested and ready.

The Hawks have had some highs and lows so far this season but I don't think anyone should be too surprised at the 0.500 record to start the season. I made this point back when the season started.

1) Lots of changes to the team
2) playing a number of playoff quality teams to start the year

The bad things from this weekend.

1) Not handling the back-back well (going on the road to Denver after playing the night before)
2) Taking too many penalties
3) The PP has looked more dangerous without the Hawks best PP weapon (Kane) not on the ice.

This is where the coaches need to earn their $$$ and get the team to play a more consistent and complete game.
- breadbag

At best they were just Ok against Nashville, nothing but perimeter shots all night, but yes for ONCE they were not badly outshot, that I'll grant you. I don't really agree it's coaching...lack of consistency usually is a result of lack of talent. I don't know if that's the case or this is just a really bad streak, like I've already opined I'll wait to reserve judgement, but I've seen almost NOTHING good from this team this year, other than softball back to back games...and also, other than perhaps Crawford. Some guys have been "OK"...but no one has really been overly impressive.

At best they were just Ok against Nashville, nothing but perimeter shots all night, but yes for ONCE they were not badly outshot, that I'll grant you. I don't really agree it's coaching...lack of consistency usually is a result of lack of talent. I don't know if that's the case or this is just a really bad streak, like I've already opined I'll wait to reserve judgement, but I've seen almost NOTHING good from this team this year, other than softball back to back games...and also, other than perhaps Crawford. Some guys have been "OK"...but no one has really been overly impressive.
- kwolf68

If one or two guys are sucking it up, fine. When you have consistent lack of effort from the bulk of team? Something is wrong. Every HC in every sport has a shelf life. We simply may have hit that with Q. Does Q sit down with his Captains and ask WTH is going on? Maybe the Q-3000 Blend-O-Matic has finally pissed these guys off to say we are done.

Bottom line is this team looks lifeless. Want to see how they look Wednesday.

If one or two guys are sucking it up, fine. When you have consistent lack of effort from the bulk of team? Something is wrong. Every HC in every sport has a shelf life. We simply may have hit that with Q. Does Q sit down with his Captains and ask WTH is going on? Maybe the Q-3000 Blend-O-Matic has finally pissed these guys off to say we are done.

Bottom line is this team looks lifeless. Want to see how they look Wednesday.
- z1990z

Again, how do you really measure lack of effort? It's really hard to quantify. Because someone skates around a slow footed D-man means the D-man isn't trying? Because a center sucks again and again on faceoffs he's not trying? Again, people in here can speculate that all we need is a new man in a suit and this super star team is gonna be aces, I am not so sure.

Again, how do you really measure lack of effort? It's really hard to quantify. Because someone skates around a slow footed D-man means the D-man isn't trying? Because a center sucks again and again on faceoffs he's not trying? Again, people in here can speculate that all we need is a new man in a suit and this super star team is gonna be aces, I am not so sure. The "problems" could be any number of things and I know it's often fashionable to blame the coach...
- kwolf68

You are right, the coach takes the heat first. I don't think there is one answer. A few things that come to mind that factor into the slow start.

1) The team lost a HOF player and one of the best 2 way players of his generation. I think Hossa being around would have helped.
2) The team seems to have only 1 legit top pair dman at the moment (Keith).
3) The Hawks are rebuilding a lot of roles. There have been questions as to who fits where on D, who is playing on special teams, where do guys like DeBrincat, Hayden, Hartman fit in the lineup.

19 Back to Backs, ridiculous.
- RickJ

Wow, I didn't realize they had so many back to backs. That is crazy!

The Blues, for whatever reason, have been insanely good on the second night of a back to back in the past year +.

Just counted the Blues schedule, we have 16 back to backs.

I don't remember having this many in the past. Is that something new with the scheduling? Do they have to schedule so many days with multiple off days now or something?

Edit: Blackhawks with 17. There has to be something that requires so many back to backs, like days off/etc.

On another note. I have watched the Winnipeg Jets a few games here lately and THEY are freaking good. If they can get any kind of tending there is no reason that team should not finish among the top of the Central. They have legit size, speed and skill. Sometimes their D gets scattered, but boy they are a fun team to watch.
- kwolf68

Toews would be a perfect addition to that team.....and home for him too.
He just might waive his No Trade for that team.
I'm thinking that they would not even be interested though.... sad to say.

Just counted the Blues schedule, we have 16 back to backs.

I don't remember having this many in the past. Is that something new with the scheduling? Do they have to schedule so many days with multiple off days now or something?

Edit: Blackhawks with 17. There has to be something that requires so many back to backs, like days off/etc.
- carcus

Yeo has done a fantastic job with the Blues. That team is just flying. Tough/talented.

I don't think Dineen is the answer. First, he's part of the overall coaching staff that is being called into question. Second, he's responsible for the power play which has been one of the worst aspects of the Hawks game right now.

Possible replacements? I'm not advocating any of these guys, these are just guys that have coached at the NHL level but are not currently employed as NHL coaches:

- Lindy Ruff (currently assistant coach with the Rangers)
- Willie Desjardins
- Marc Crawford (currently assistant coach with the Senators)
- Bob Hartley
- Paul MacLean (mustache quota would be filled)
- Darryl Sutter (return to Chicago)
- DarthKane

I'm partial to Dineen. I don't think he has total control of what he does under Q. McLean is interesting. And while I don't like Marc Crawfords attitude, I was a fan of how he builds his lines.

You are right, the coach takes the heat first. I don't think there is one answer. A few things that come to mind that factor into the slow start.

1) The team lost a HOF player and one of the best 2 way players of his generation. I think Hossa being around would have helped.
2) The team seems to have only 1 legit top pair dman at the moment (Keith).
3) The Hawks are rebuilding a lot of roles. There have been questions as to who fits where on D, who is playing on special teams, where do guys like DeBrincat, Hayden, Hartman fit in the lineup.
- breadbag

Sure, which is exactly why I am actually not engaging with a strident opinion as I usually do, because I just don't believe I have enough facts to be comfortable in promoting an opinion. I REALLY hope #3 above sorts itself out and we'll see improvement then. And while I agree with #2 above, if we can find multiple 2nd pairing D-men and a solid bottom pair then maybe we can get by not having a 2nd top pairing guy. That relies on the development of Murphy, Rutta, Forsling, Kempny...most of which right now look only like bottom pairing guys.

Totally agree on Hossa, which is why I was not one ecstatic about gaining the money from his cap hit, because I knew the type of player we had lost. But that is the byproduct of aging and we have to expect guys to not only slow down, but also to hang em up.

The Hawks are playing a dated system that teams figured out as long as two years ago. All you need to do to beat them is clog the neutral zone, go north-south as fast as possible, get behind their non-physical D, and crash the net.

Speed AND grit are the combo required to succeed in today's game.

Trouble is that:

1. Q and the coaching staff are trying to use the old formula without the horses or the required adjustments to the style of today's game play.

2. Perimeter power play is a fail.

3. Collapsing to the box on the PK is a fail.

4. New players have absolutely ZERO chance of elevating their game to top six forward or top four defensive level. The pipeline is void of these players due to the draft pick order they have.

5. Contract restrictions handcuff any real deals for top tier talent to be acquired.

6. Seems to me that the players know that no quality talent is coming up to fill the gaps by way of trade or development, and perhaps no matter how much they elevate their game (and maybe even attitude), at best they are a fringe playoff entrant.

7. Say what you want about the Sullivan phenomenon in Pittsburgh, but with a change in coaching also came a crop of seasoned role players that played together enough in the AHL to be their next wave of talent to compliment the change in style of play. Right now, the Hawks are rushing players not ready for the big time, and more often than not they demonstrate they are not prepared, or even capable of elevating their games yet.

I am of the opinion that the best long term strategy is to await the impending strike/lockout, get a new softer cap CBA in place, and rebuild then. The challenge for the FO will be keeping the butts in the seats drinking $14 beers until then.

The Hawks are playing a dated system that teams figured out as long as two years ago. All you need to do to beat them is clog the neutral zone, go north-south as fast as possible, get behind their non-physical D, and crash the net.

Speed AND grit are the combo required to succeed in today's game.

Trouble is that:

1. Q and the coaching staff are trying to use the old formula without the horses or the required adjustments to the style of today's game play.

2. Perimeter power play is a fail.

3. Collapsing to the box on the PK is a fail.

4. New players have absolutely ZERO chance of elevating their game to top six forward or top four defensive level. The pipeline is void of these players due to the draft pick order they have.

5. Contract restrictions handcuff any real deals for top tier talent to be acquired.

6. Seems to me that the players know that no quality talent is coming up to fill the gaps by way of trade or development, and perhaps no matter how much they elevate their game (and maybe even attitude), at best they are a fringe playoff entrant.

7. Say what you want about the Sullivan phenomenon in Pittsburgh, but with a change in coaching also came a crop of seasoned role players that played together enough in the AHL to be their next wave of talent to compliment the change in style of play. Right now, the Hawks are rushing players not ready for the big time, and more often than not they demonstrate they are not prepared, or even capable of elevating their games yet.

I am of the opinion that the best long term strategy is to await the impending strike/lockout, get a new softer cap CBA in place, and rebuild then. The challenge for the FO will be keeping the butts in the seats drinking $14 beers until then.
- Return of the Roar

PK has been solid this year. Not sure what your gripe is with that. they seem way more aggressive than years past.

Does anyone think LA would have the record they have with Sutter behind the bench still? I don't. Change is good, apparently.

PK has been solid this year. Not sure what your gripe is with that. they seem way more aggressive than years past.
- BlazinMike

If 14th in the league YTD qualifies as solid.....OK then.

I don't think Dineen is the answer. First, he's part of the overall coaching staff that is being called into question. Second, he's responsible for the power play which has been one of the worst aspects of the Hawks game right now.

Possible replacements? I'm not advocating any of these guys, these are just guys that have coached at the NHL level but are not currently employed as NHL coaches:

- Lindy Ruff (currently assistant coach with the Rangers)
- Willie Desjardins
- Marc Crawford (currently assistant coach with the Senators)
- Bob Hartley
- Paul MacLean (mustache quota would be filled)
- Darryl Sutter (return to Chicago)
- DarthKane

But is he really...

If some of yall really want a hard ass brought in...

If some of yall really want a hard ass brought in...


- fattybeef

If some of yall really want a hard ass brought in...


- fattybeef

Please!

90% of the game is 50% mental. Something to boost confidence would go a long way.

Power play push?!

90% of the game is 50% mental. Something to boost confidence would go a long way.

Power play push?!
- hocktock

So 45% of the game is mental???

Hossa for coach!

Hossa for coach!
- resqmed99

Don't laugh, I have been saying that for a long time. His contract is removed from the cap.

If 14th in the league YTD qualifies as solid.....OK then.
- Return of the Roar

huh, last i saw they were 9th or something, but they seem to be more aggressive at least, i guess. I dont (frank)in know, trying to find a positive here man.